The Nar Phu Valley By Tilicho Lake with Annapurna Circuit Trek is a challenging and off-the-beaten-path trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek combines the remote and culturally rich Nar and Phu valleys with the stunning beauty of Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. The trek also includes the classic Annapurna Circuit, which offers breathtaking mountain views and diverse landscapes. This is a unique opportunity to explore lesser-known areas of the Annapurna region while still experiencing the highlights of the famous Annapurna Circuit trek.
Nar Phu Valley Trek is an attractive choice for travel enthusiasts to experience unique Nature. The environment of Nar Phu valley is remote because it’s unaffected by modernity. Therefore, the unpolluted atmosphere executes more attraction. This place is heaven for someone who desires to turn their head away from the congested city for a while.
We will be commencing our journey from Besisahar, the traditional origin point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The Trek soon divides from tracks into the old Nar & Phu valleys. Looking through these lively villages, you will witness peace in all of them. Their smirks and loving hospitality will illuminate your day and make your hike worth every minute.
The path leads to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, as the trek progresses. The lake is a well-known trekking destination in the Annapurna region due to its captivating beauty.
Any travel fanatic looking to enjoy the best time in Nepal, especially in Pokhara, will be thrilled by this package. This exciting trail offers panoramic glimpses into the great Himalayas ranges, including Thorong peak, Mt. Annapurna, Nilgiri, Chulu East, and Chulu West. It also gives the panorama of Tukuche Peak, Lamjung Himal, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna II, and IV with icecaps, pleasant lakes, and tranquil waterfalls.
The trek to Nar Phu valley has been allowable for travelers since 2003. However, it demands a special permit because it is registered in Nepal’s limited area though it distributes its surroundings with Nepal’s most visited place.
The Nar Phu Valley via Tilicho Lake with Annapurna Circuit Trek combines high mountains, passes, icecaps, antiquated settlements, canyons, pretty forests, fantastic rock formations, yaks, gompas, and unique Tibetan cultures. You will be mesmerized by Mani walls, antique Chortens, and stone houses. You will also get to interact with Tibetan tradition.
Thamel Marga Central Thamel Kathmandu (Google Map)
Welcome to the beautiful country of great cultural significance, Nepal. After arriving in the nation’s capital, Kathmandu, via Tribhuwan National Airport, our agents will welcome you very grandly. Then our agents will escort you to the standard hotels of Kathmandu and enjoy your night there.
We hope you had a great sleep at your hotel. Now our agents will come to pick you up and stroll you around the heritage of Kathmandu Valley. We will visit the Pashupatinath & the Boudhanath stupa. You will have a fabulous time witnessing the most impressive historical and cultures around the valley. Uphold yourself to be surprised by Nepal’s wide variety of cultures and traditions.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
With the tasty breakfast in the early morning, we will drive to Besisahar. Ensure you witness the majestic scenery of the charming terraced farms and settlements along the Trisuli River. We will be traveling by local bus. You will experience a delicious lunch on the way. Our representatives, traveling with you, will record the permit at the checkpoint. Then, we will savor our snacks at the small lodge of Besisahar. Besisahar is the headquarter of the Lamjung district.
Overnight in Beisahar.
Start your day with a tasty breakfast. Then we will drive to Koto, which takes you around 5 hours. Koto is the starting point of the Nar Phu Valley Trek. The path is not well constructed, so many trekkers hike in this path. After a while of driving, you could witness glimpses of Lamjung Himal (6983m), Manaslu (8163m), and Annapurna II (7937m), as well as the view of rivers, gorges, and waterfalls. Koto is a small village with people accompanying Tibetan Buddhism.
Overnight in Koto.
In the alluring morning, you will enroll your license at the army check post while accessing the restricted Nar Phu Valley region. Then you begin your hike through the shore of SetiKhola, where you will witness one renowned Dharmasala. The other trekking trail guides you to the Meta settlement on the Tibetan plateau. You will have the majestic scenery of Lamjung Himal (6983m) and Annapurna II (7937m).
Overnight in Meta.
You are leaving Meta, the trailhead towards Kyang, a short trek of 3 to 4 hours. We will start the uphill hike and cross the suspension bridges over various streams. This place is deserted; you will find a newly built Kyang lodge. Here, the government once captured Tibet refugees to live illegally.
Overnight in Kyang.
Commence your day with a tasty breakfast. Today, you will walk towards Phugaun. We will pass the Phu Khola, which is over the rocky trail. You will witness the blue sheep during the Trek if you are very blessed. Then we will walk for 3 hours and reach Phu village. Here you will see the unique cultures of the Gurung, Lama, and Ghale communities. You can also visit the very old Tashi Lakhang Monastery and have a panoramic view of Himlung Himal.
Overnight in Phugaun.
After a warm breakfast, we will hike to the Himlung Base Camp. You will hike towards the east, passing through the glacial valley. Make sure you enjoy your lovely view. It will lead toward the Himlung Himal Base Camp. This lovely site is situated at an altitude of 4900m. Reaching the base camp will offer you a fabulous view of the mountain. You can spend some time taking photos and videos, and then we will descend back to Phugaun.
Overnight in Phugaun.
After an early breakfast in Phugaon, the trek begins with a scenic trail that gently ascends along the banks of the Phu River. As you leave the village, you’ll pass through terraced fields, yak pastures, and traditional Tibetan-style stone houses, with majestic views of snow-capped peaks like Himlung and Kangaru in the background. The route is relatively moderate but steady, with occasional ups and downs along the river gorge. You may encounter local herders or villagers carrying supplies, offering a glimpse into the remote lifestyle of the region. The trail is peaceful and less crowded, allowing you to fully absorb the raw beauty of the Manaslu region. After about 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you arrive at Kyang, a small but historically significant settlement once used as a seasonal herding camp. Surrounded by open meadows and towering cliffs, Kyang offers a sense of solitude and panoramic Himalayan views, making it a perfect place to rest and acclimatize before continuing further.
After breakfast in the peaceful settlement of Kyang, the trek begins with a scenic walk along the Labse Khola river, gradually ascending through rugged Himalayan landscapes. The trail passes through traditional Tibetan-influenced terrain, dotted with chortens, mani walls, and ancient stone structures. As you climb higher, panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Pisang Peak and Kang Guru, start to unfold. The path winds through arid cliffs, deep gorges, and sparse juniper forests, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. You’ll likely encounter yak herders and see their temporary stone shelters along the route. The final stretch involves a gentle climb as the trail opens into a broad high-altitude valley leading to Nar Village (4110 m), one of the most culturally rich and picturesque settlements in the region. Upon arrival, you can explore the village’s traditional stone houses, ancient monasteries, and interact with the friendly local people. Nar offers a unique glimpse into the preserved Tibetan Buddhist lifestyle in the remote Himalayas.
We’re saying farewell to Nar as we head toward Ngwal. Our journey will involve an uphill trek, traversing several suspension bridges over streams leading to the Kang La Pass (5399 m). The ascent will be challenging due to the steepness of the trail and the presence of icy moraines. Nevertheless, once we reach the top of Kang La, we’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Annapurna massif and Kangla Himal Range.
Afterward, we’ll descend on a steep path through the moraines before arriving at a lush route leading to Ngwal village (3,660 m). We’ll encounter a few monasteries along the way before finally reaching our destination.
Overnight in Ngwal.
Today’s an exciting day of the trek, which you will enjoy the most. We will begin our day with a mouthful breakfast in aesthetic Ngwal. Then, we will head towards Manang through the rocky moraines and cliffs. Manang is a dry valley with little to no vegetation on the side. You will enjoy your time here and remember to buy apple brandy with magnificent taste.
Overnight in Manang.
Maximum Altitude: Manang (3540 m)
Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy your best time in Manang because today’s the rest day. Stroll around the villages and witness the beauty of minimalistic life. We will be counter-attacking the altitude sickness. We will reach Ice Lake and see the azure water welcoming us.
Overnight in Manang.
Our day will begin with a delicious breakfast and a trek on a newly opened route. Along the way, we’ll pass through culturally rich monasteries that offer a warm welcome. We’ll take a break from the uphill climb and switch to a simpler and less steep downward path. After a tiring hike, we’ll arrive at the Tilicho Base Camp.
Overnight in Tilicho Base Camp.
Start your day with a delectable breakfast and a trek to our main destination: Tilicho Lake. Once we reach this stunning body of water, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise. In fact, the leader of the French expedition team dubbed it ‘The Great Ice Lake.’
For Hindus, Tilicho Lake is considered a sacred site, adding to its significance. The breathtaking view of the blue lake surrounded by mountains is a perfect photo opportunity.
We’ll then trek back to Tilicho Base Camp, passing through a landslide-prone area with fascinating rock formations en route. From there, we’ll make our way toward Sri Kharka.
Overnight in Sri Kharka.
Following a hearty breakfast, we’ll resume our journey toward Ledar. Along the way, we’ll be treated to stunning views of the Annapurna Ranges as we trek through dry terrain. Our path will lead us to a wooden bridge that crosses over the Gunsang river before finally arriving at Ledar.
Overnight in Ledar.
Today’s trek involves an uphill climb to Thorong Phedi. Along the way, we’ll cross a suspension bridge. We’ll then ascend towering cliffs before arriving at Thorong Phedi, the final settlement before Thorong La. This trek will offer us breathtaking views of Mt. Syagang, Mt. Gudang, Mt. Khatungkan, and Thorong Peak, making it one of the most scenic routes.
Overnight in Thorong Phedi.
We’ll be heading for our ultimate goal for the day: crossing Thorong La pass, one of the world’s highest passes. We’ll be traveling from east to west, starting in Manang and ending in Muktinath, which is considered the easiest and safest approach.
Upon reaching the top, we’ll realize that our journey was well worth it and take a few photos to commemorate the moment. We’ll then descend to the Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass.
Overnight in Muktinath
Commence your day with the high air of Muktinath because we will be leaving Muktinath soon. We will be visiting our beloved Muktinath Temple. Legend says if you are tied up with eternal chains of sins, then diving in holy kunda (small ponds) will free you. You will be freed from all the human charades.
After spending some time in Muktinath, we will get on a bus and head for Tatopani. It’s a natural hot water spring.
Overnight in Tatopani.
As we leave behind the dry terrain of Mustang, our journey will take us toward the verdant forests and fields of wildflowers that make up the Annapurna Trekking route. It will take us six to seven hours to arrive at Ghorepani, a stunning destination with numerous panoramic mountain views.
Overnight in Ghorepani.
We will begin our trek early in the morning to capture the stunning sunrise view. Our first stop is Poon Hill, which we will reach by 4 or 5 am. From here, you can witness the breathtaking sunrise over the magnificent mountains of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Dhaulagiri.
Afterward, we will return to Ghorepani for breakfast before trekking to Ulleri. From Ulleri, we will take a drive to Pokhara. It is a significant tourist destination in Nepal that offers a plethora of exciting places to visit. The city is home to numerous aesthetic cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.
After checking in at the hotel, you can visit popular tourist attractions such as Fewa lake, Gupteshowr Mahadev, Davis Fall, Rupa Lake, Begnas Lake, Bat Cave, and more. You can either enjoy some services at your hotel or venture out to experience the vibrant nightlife of Pokhara.
Overnight in Pokhara.
It will be a beautiful drive from Pokhara through Nepal’s hills and valleys back to Kathmandu. The trip will take about 6-7 hours, and you can take in the stunning vistas of the surrounding area. You’ll make rest and meal stops along the way and arrive in Kathmandu in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
[Note: You can fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu rather than using a vehicle. Regular flights are offered between Pokhara and Kathmandu, and they typically take 25 to 30 minutes.]
Make the most of your final day in Nepal, cherishing the unforgettable memories you have made with us. Our team will accompany you to the airport for your flight. We wish you a safe and enjoyable journey, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal in the future.
This ultimate combination takes 22 to 26 days with Nepal Mountain Adventure, combining the restricted Nar Phu Valley (Kang La Pass at 5,320 m), the world’s highest lake at Tilicho (4,919 m), and the complete Annapurna Circuit with Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m in one continuous Himalayan mega route.
This trek starts from USD 2,699 per person with Nepal Mountain Adventure including the Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit, ACAP permit, TIMS card, licensed guide, porter, all teahouse accommodation, and three daily meals for the complete 22 to 26 day itinerary.
Three major high mountain passes are crossed which are the Kang La Pass at 5,320 m exiting the Nar Phu Valley, the approach passes to Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m, and the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m on the Annapurna Circuit section. This is the highest concentration of extreme altitude crossings available on any standard Nepal trekking package.
Four permits are required which are the Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit (USD 90 for 10 days, USD 15 per day after), the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP, USD 30), the TIMS card (USD 20), and the Manang Restricted Area Permit for the Tilicho Lake side valley. Nepal Mountain Adventure arranges all four permits before departure.
This is rated extremely strenuous and is one of the most demanding multi pass treks available in Nepal. Trekkers spend over two weeks above 3,500 m, cross three separate high passes including two above 5,300 m, and cover over 350 km of trail across three completely different restricted and conservation area systems over 22 to 26 days.
Autumn (October to November) is the only fully reliable season for this combination due to the need for stable weather across three separate high altitude crossings. The Kang La Pass at 5,320 m, Tilicho Lake approach, and Thorong La Pass all require clear dry weather conditions that post-monsoon October reliably provides across all three sections simultaneously.
The route enters Nar Phu Valley from Koto on the Annapurna Circuit trail, spends 5 to 7 days exploring Phu and Nar villages, crosses the Kang La Pass at 5,320 m to rejoin the Annapurna Circuit at Ngawal near Manang, then continues to Manang, the Tilicho Lake side trip, Thorong High Camp, Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, and descends to Muktinath and Jomsom.
Yes, prior experience above 5,000 m is absolutely essential for this combination. The Kang La Pass at 5,320 m comes relatively early in the itinerary and the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m comes near the end. Trekkers who have not previously been above 5,000 m face significant AMS risk on this combination. Nepal Mountain Adventure requires confirmation of prior high altitude experience before accepting bookings.
The route provides an exceptionally well graded acclimatization profile starting from Besisahar at 800 m, gradually ascending through the lower Annapurna Circuit to Koto (2,600 m), then the Nar Phu Valley to Phu (4,080 m) and Nar (4,110 m), crossing the Kang La (5,320 m), descending to Manang (3,519 m), ascending to Tilicho (4,919 m), back to Manang, and finally the Thorong La (5,416 m).
we did this trek on march and we complete it on april first week.this trek is fantastic we enjoy a lot on this trek. Little long trek so at final days feeling tired.our guide and porter help us on every stape to complete this trek.
Less people All stay at teahouses with just sleep and food we think we are at another world amazing experience we are so happy to be here at narphu trek we recommend this trek to all who love adventure in life
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