Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit Trek - 20 Days

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  • Duration 20 Days
  • Trip Grade Strenuous
  • Country Nepal

Embark on the ultimate journey in the Annapurna Himalayas of Nepal by joining the Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trek. This is an adventurous trekking program that combines three epic destinations. Trekkers get to experience unspoiled, pristine sceneries and stunning mountain vistas.

This is a newly introduced trekking program that lets travelers explore beautiful villages, experience mountain life, and enjoy nature. The trekking route is offbeat and steep, going from lush Himalayan foothills to the arid trans-Himalayan region. It is a challenging voyage, but the memories you will make are worth cherishing forever.

On this 19-day trek, trekkers witness many stunning mountains, such as the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Manaslu, Hiunchuli, Gangapruna, Tilicho Peak, Fishtail, and Tukuche Peak. You will start the trip in Kathmandu and follow your guide across the western Himalayan mountains, exploring beautiful villages and valleys.

Highlights

  • The ultimate adventurous journey in the Annapurna Himalayas for trekkers who are looking for challenges
  • Explore the unspoiled Nar Phu Valley and enjoy trans-Himalayan landscapes
  • Cross the Kang La pass and join the Annapurna Circuit trail
  • Hike to the stunning Tilicho Lake and enjoy its turquoise color
  • Traverse the picturesque villages and meadows before crossing the Thorong La pass
  • Explore Muktinath Temple, a significant pilgrimage site in Nepal
  • Meet with many Nepali communities and get to see their lifestyle
  • Come across a wide variety of vegetation, flowers, and many other natural wonders
  • Witness stunning mountain vistas of the western Himalayan ranges

Cross Kang La and Thorong La passes

Kang La and Thorong La are two high mountain passes above 5,000 meters. Moreover, Thorong La is the highest pass in Nepal. Crossing these passes is not a joke. Trekkers have to navigate steep, rocky, and snowy uphill tracks to reach the top of the pass while facing high altitude, wind, and cold.

Kang La (5,322 m/17,460 ft) pass is the ultimate climb in the Nar Phu Valley. This pass connects Nar Phu Valley with the Annapurna Circuit. On the other hand, the Thorong La (5,416 m/17,756 ft) pass is the final and most challenging part of the Annapurna Circuit. Crossing this pass, you will enter the Lower Mustang region of Nepal.

Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake (4,949 m/16,138 ft) is one of the highest lakes in the world. It is known for its jaw-dropping beauty. Tilicho Lake is an extended part of the Annapurna Circuit trail. You will follow a different route from Manang onwards to reach the lake. The trail involves walking on steep, rocky tracks, glaciers, and snow.

The weather at Tilicho Lake is cold and alpine. You will not spend the night here. The Tilicho Lake Base Camp is the last settlement before the lake. The lake's water is turquoise and surrounded by sparse vegetation, dwarf trees, and snow-capped mountains. Likewise, the lake also has holy values for the Hindus. This lake is believed to be the ancient Kak Bhusundi Lake mentioned in the Ramayana.

Muktinath Temple

Muktinath Temple is located in lower Mustang. Crossing the Thorong La pass, you will descend to this temple for the night. The temple's elevation is 3,760 meters (12,623 ft). It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Nepal for Hindus. The temple also holds value for Buddhists.

Muktinath Temple is considered the center of liberation or moksha by Hindus. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, where the Lord Vishnu resides. Hindu pilgrims visit the temple to cleanse their sins and ask for salvation. For Buddhists, Muktinath Temple is a sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated on his way to Tibet.

There are 108 water spouts in the temple courtyard. Pilgrims run around this water spout, which is believed to cleanse their sins. Another interesting thing inside the temple complex is the Jwala Mai temple. You can see a continuously burning gas flame here, which is believed to have been created by the divine.

Who can do this trek, and how to prepare for the journey?

The Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trek suits those with previous trekking experience. Likewise, the trek is demanding, so good fitness is required. Trekkers looking for an epic adventure in Nepal and want to spend ample time in the mountains would love this trek.

Foreigners are only allowed to enter the Nar Phu Valley in a group of at least two trekkers, and your guide and porter don't count. So, if you are a solo traveler, you have to find someone to join you on the trip. Or, we can include you in one of our fixed departures.

Now, to prepare for the Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trek for 21 days, exercise and, if possible, go on a few day hikes. Strengthen your core and improve your stamina. Also, work on your walking habits and endurance. You can train in the gym or do different cardio activities. You can do both things as well.

For more information on solo Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trekking, kindly contact us.

Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit 2024/2025 bookings are open with Himalayak Trekking

Treks like this require proper planning and strong support. You will increase your success and satisfaction by doing the Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trek with Himalayak Trekking. Our professional and knowledgeable team will assist you in every step of the journey.

We will help you with everything, from getting ready for the trek to obtaining permits and arranging all the logistics. Not to mention, our reasonable Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trek cost will make this trip even more fantastic.

Similarly, our flexible itinerary allows you to customize the trek as you wish. You will travel with a local mountain guide and porter. They ensure your safety and satisfaction on the mountains. Bookings are open for Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trek 2024 autumn and 2025 spring/autumn departures.

Itinerary
Trip Plan
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Meet the team of Himalayak Trekking upon landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. There will be a short meet-and-greet moment. After that, they will transfer you to the hotel in Thamel. Rest and later meet your mountain guide and prepare for the trek.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

You will drive from Kathmandu to Jagat. The first 4 to 5 hours of the ride will be very comfortable and scenic. From Dumre, the road is bumpy until Besisahar. You may change your vehicle here, follow the rugged hillsides, and drive to Jagat.

Mountain views: Annapurna range, Ganesh Himal, Langtang range, Nagadi Chuli, Himalchuli, Boudha Himal, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 1,100 m/3,609 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 8-9 hours
  • Distance: 206 km/128 miles

Start trekking from Jagat. The trail follows Himalayan foothills and passes by small villages like Chamje and Tal before you reach Dharapani. You will trek along Marsyangdi River, following forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine.

  • Max Altitude: 1,960 m/6,430 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 12.6 km/8 miles

While trekking from Dharapani to Koto, you will follow pine forests. On the way, go through settlements like Danaque, Timang, and Khanchowk. Have a glimpse of the daily life of the locals along the way and enjoy stunning mountain views.

Mountain views: Pisang Peak, Annapurna II, Nagadi Chuli, Manaslu, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 2,610 m/8,891 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Distance: 14.4 km/9 miles

Register your permits at the police checkpoint in Koto and start trekking along the Soti Khola bank. The trail gradually ascends via forests and passes by beautiful waterfalls. You will reach Dharmasala and cross a wooden bridge before climbing uphill to Meta.

  • Max Altitude: 3,560 m/11,680 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Distance: 14.5 km/9 miles

From Meta to Kyang, the trail is steep and sharply ascends. The climate gets cold as you ascend. On the way, explore old stupas and chortens. The trail goes through dense forest and also offers lovely mountain vistas.

  • Max Altitude: 3,800 m/12,467 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 9.6 km/5.9 miles

Leaving Kyang, you will ascend to Phu village. On the way, trek past mani walls, prayer flags, and chortens. Follow a steep uphill trail to Phu gate and climb for one more hour to reach the village. On the way, you will follow the Phu Khola and see beautiful views of Namgye Peak. After exploring Phu, you'll return to Kyang to spend the night. You will visit the Tashi Lakhang monastery.

  • Max Altitude: 4,080 m/13,386 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 24 km/15 miles

On this day, you will trek to Nar village. The trail from Kyang crosses Nar Khola and ascends to the village. You will pass by the Nar gate and walk into the village. Here, visit an ancient monastery and explore the village. The rugged landscape around the Nar village is quite enchanting.

  • Max Altitude: 4,245 m/13,927 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: km/ miles

Today, you will cross the Kang La pass and join the Annapurna Circuit route. Start trekking from Nar early in the morning and pass by the lateral moraine of Temdenzon Khola. You will climb yak pastures and gradually ascend to the top of the pass. The mountain views are jaw-dropping from here. After that, descend to Ngawal, enjoying incredible scenery throughout the way.

Mountain views: Annapurna range, Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, Manaslu, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 5,322 m/17,460 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 8-9 hours
  • Distance: 14 km/8.6 miles

Now, you will trek toward Tilicho Lake. From Ngawal, you will ascend to Manang village via Braga monastery. The route is highly scenic. From Manang, you will follow rugged, steep tracks to Khangsar village.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, Manaslu, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 3,734 m/12,250 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 19 km/12 miles

Leaving Khangsar, you will follow a steep uphill route to Tilicho Base Camp. On the way, you will walk on glaciers and snow. The trail is isolated, and the mountain views are breathtaking.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, III & IV, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Tarekang, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 4,140 m/13,583 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Today, you will reach Tilicho Lake. After leaving the base camp, follow steep, narrow tracks and ascend to the lake. The mesmerizing beauty of this turquoise lake and the snow-capped mountains surrounding it will take your breath away. Enjoy the scenery and descend to the base camp to spend the night.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, III & IV, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Tarekang, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 4,949 m/16,138 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 12 km/7.4 miles

Retrace the trail back to Khangsar village and rejoin the Annapurna Circuit. You will not trek via meadows and will ascend to Yak Kharka to spend the night. Enjoy a barren landscape with pastures and meadows.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, III & IV, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Tarekang, Chulu East, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 4,040 m/13,020 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 8 km/5 miles

From Yak Kharka, the trail takes you to the foot of Thorong La Pass, where you will spend the night before crossing the Thorong La Pass. Cross a wooden bridge and follow a steep, narrow trail to Ledar. From here, you will walk to Thorong Phedi.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, III & IV, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 4,525 m/14,525 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Distance: 8.5 km/5.2 miles

Today, you will cross the Thorong La pass. You will start walking before sunrise and gradually ascend to the High Camp. From here, you will follow the steep uphill route that leads to the top of the pass. The scenery is heavenly from the pass. After that, descend to Muktinath Temple, navigating landslide debris.

Mountain views: Annapurna II, III & IV, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak, Gangapurna, Tukuche Peak, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 5,416 m/17,756 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 8-9 hours
  • Distance: 15.6 km/9.6 miles

On this day, you will trek to Jomsom village. Leaving Muktinath Temple, you will follow an isolated trail to Lupra via Jharkot. It is a Bon religion village. Visit an old monastery here. The trail then gradually ascends to Jomsom, where the walking part ends.

Mountain views: Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, etc.

  • Max Altitude: 2,710 m/8,891 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Distance: 21 km/13 miles

You will fly to Pokhara early in the morning, enjoying stunning mountain vistas. Upon landing in Pokhara, the guide will drop you off at the hotel. Enjoy relaxing in the city and exploring as you wish. Enjoy the beauty of Phewa Lake and the bustle of Lakeside Market.

  • Max Altitude: 822 m/2,697 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 25 minutes

Today, you will drive to Kathmandu. Enjoy a comfortable drive on a standard tourist bus. The highway offers beautiful views of lush hills, rivers, and terraces. Upon reaching Kathmandu, settle in your hotel. You have the rest of the day free.

  • Max Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 201 km/125 miles

You have a full day free in Kathmandu. You can combine a guided sightseeing tour or visit nearby tourist sites on your own. Explore Nepali markets and taste local food. Go shopping and enjoy the nightlife in Kathmandu.

  • Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Our team will drop you at the airport today. You will fly back to your home. Make sure you are ready to leave your hotel on time.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Add-ons and Options
  • Single room while trekking: If you want a single room during trekking, add this upgrade to your package.
  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu: Explore the historical sites in Kathmandu with an experienced tour guide and get to learn deeply about Nepali history and culture.
  • Everest Experience Flight: It is a one-hour commercial flight across the eastern Himalayan range of Nepal. You can see Mt. Everest and many other mountains. Window seat guaranteed.
  • Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour: This is a 4-5 hour day program. You will fly to EBC and Kala Patthar. Land at the Hotel Everest View for breakfast. Breakfast expenses are not included in the package cost.

Availability

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We stick to the proposed itinerary. However, if any unforeseen circumstance arises that demands change in the plan, we may have to do it. So, we kindly request you to be flexible to the itinerary. Likewise, if our Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trek itinerary does not match your requirements, feel free to contact us to customize the itinerary. You can design the itinerary as per your wish and budget.

Essential Info

Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trek difficulty

The Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trek is strenuous. It is a very demanding expedition that passes through different climatic zones. On this trek, you will cross two 5,000-meter-above-mountain passes and traverse offbeat terrain.

We recommend this trek only to physically strong individuals with previous trekking experience. Beginner trekkers should not do it as their first attempt.

  • Trek distance: Combining all the side hikes, you will walk approximately 200 kilometers on Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trek.
  • Daily walking hours: 6 hours of walking minimum. Some days can involve up to 9 hours of walking, especially when you are crossing a pass.
  • Tourist infrastructure: The tourist infrastructure is limited in Nar Phu Valley and on the Tilicho Lake route. However, you will get decent facilities. Annapurna Circuit has comparatively better services.

Altitude Sickness

The highest point on this trek is 5,416 meters, which is Thorong La Pass. Likewise, you will go above 5,000 meters one more time while crossing Kang La Pass (5,322 m). You will not spend much time at this height, so there is no need to worry.

However, you will spend many days above 2,500 meters, so there are risks of altitude sickness. Follow the preventive measures to avoid altitude sickness.

  • Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, etc.
  • Preventive measures: Drink lots of water daily, maintain your pace, ascend gradually, listen to your body, get ample rest, eat nutritious food, and do not smoke or drink alcohol.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is necessary to join Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trekking. Stay on the safe side by covering your medical bills and emergency helicopter evacuation in the travel insurance. In case you fall ill or get injured while trekking, we use travel insurance to provide you with immediate rescue if needed. It will save you a lot of money.

Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trek permits

We have mentioned the permits needed for this trek along with their cost below:

  • Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area permit cost from September to November: USD 100 per person for the first week and USD 15 per person each day after that
  • Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area permit cost from December to August: USD 75 per person for the first week and USD 10 per person each day after that
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) permit cost: USD 30 per person
  • TIMS Card cost: USD 20 per person

The best time to do this trek

The best time to trek in the Nar Phu Valley and cross Thorong La Pass is March to May and September to November. These months have ideal weather conditions and a moderate climate. Trekkers get to enjoy stunning mountain views because the sky remains clear. Likewise, you can see many vegetation along the trail.

Accommodation & food during the trek

The villages offer tea house accommodation to the trekkers in Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit. It is simple accommodation with meal service. Rooms have two or three beds. In some villages, you can get single rooms. Washrooms are shared in most places. Be prepared to use squat toilets. Pack essentials like toilet paper, soap, wet wipes, a power bank, etc.

During trekking, you will have simple meals. As the elevation increases, the menu will get shorter and simpler. The most eaten food during the trek is dal bhat, momo, thukpa, Tibetan bread, thenduk, porridge, soups, fried rice, and pancakes. Likewise, trekkers can buy boiled drinking water in the tea houses, which costs far less than plastic water bottles.

Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trek packing list

You will need to pack below things for Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trek:

  • Underwear, base layer, thermal layer
  • Trekking shirt & pants, fleece jacket, down jacket, windbreaker/waterproof jacket & pants
  • Dry towel, cotton socks, woolen socks, scarf, gloves, sunhat, beanie
  • Trekking boots, casual shoes, daypack, duffel bag
  • Trekking poles, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, water purification tablet
  • SPF, lip balm, moisturizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, soap/shampoo bar, comb, toothpaste/brush, deodorant, etc
  • Antiseptic cream, band-aid, crack bandage, pain reliever spray, general medicine, electoral powder, insect repellent, etc
  • Adapter, charger, power bank, spare batteries for your camera
  • Map, pocket torch, traveler knife, hand sanitizer, GPS
  • Snacks, journal/pen, travel insurance document, passport, visa, passport-sized photos, cash
FAQs

Trekking to Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake is challenging because of the offbeat terrain and high altitude. These destinations are for experienced trekkers who are fit and can walk 6 hours a day.

Tilicho Lake is the second-highest lake in Nepal. Its stunning turquoise color, surrounded by beautiful snow-covered mountains, is blissful to the eyes of trekkers. Trekking here is quite adventurous, so trekkers love Tilicho Lake. There is no accommodation service at Tilicho Lake. Given the cold and high altitude, we do not even recommend camping here.

No, the Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trek is not for the beginner trekkers. This trek is very demanding, and beginner trekkers shouldn't do it.

Nar Phu Valley is located close to the Tibetan border, so it is a restricted area in Nepal.

Yes, you need previous trekking experience or high-altitude experience to do the Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trekking.

The network is not that great along the trail. Once you are at a high altitude, you rarely get a network. For emergency communication, our guide carries a satellite phone.

Yes, we will assign you a guide who can communicate in English or your choice of language. Most of our guides are multilingual, which makes trekking with them fantastic.

You can tip the guide and porter 15% to 25% of the package cost; there is no fixed amount.

For the Nar Phu Valley part, trekking in a group of at least two trekkers is necessary. If you are a solo trekker, we will try to pair you up with another trekker or a group. For information, please get in touch with us.

This trek combines a restricted area, Nar Phu Valley, so trekking with a guide is compulsory. You can do the Annapurna Circuit without a guide; however, it is not recommended. Nevertheless, getting our Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake & Annapurna Circuit trek package will cover the guide's expenses.

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