23 days
Duration
Demanding
Trip Level
2
Group Size
5300 m
Max-altitude
The Nar Phu Tilicho Pass Trek is less trodden and opened in 2002 in the Annapurna region. It is also named “Annapurna Hard Way Trek,” allowing you to explore three distinct valleys on a single excursion. Nar Phu valley is generally less crowded and free of modern influences. It’s unique because it features popular Tibetan culture, breathtaking passes, and remote villages. Besides that, the Kang – La Pass (5200 meters), Meso Kanto La Pass (5100 meters), and Tilicho Pass (5230 meters) are the main tourist attractions of Nar Phu Tilicho Lake. The Tilicho lake lies at the highest altitude globally, another attraction of the trek.
The Nar Phu Tilicho Pass Trek is on its way to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It passes through the Marshyangdi Valley before turning to the remote Naar Phu Valley. Trekking around the Phu valley also gives you a glimpse of Buddhist culture. The route then continuously goes through the Naar valley. Then it heads to the Manang Valley crossing over the Kang Pass – La Pass. Again, the trail connects to the Annapurna Circuit Trek route, followed by the Khangsar Khola and Tilicho Base camp. Furthermore, Tilicho Lake, Meso Kanto La, and Naar Phu Valley provide stunning views of the iconic Annapurna peaks. Acclimatization is essential since the route ascends more than 5000 meters above sea level.
Nar Phu Tilicho Pass Trek: Highlights
Discovering the Naar Phu’s hidden valleys, closely experiencing their vibrant culture and tradition.
Spectacular views from Kang-La and Mesokanto La Pass all over the Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.
Witness a Tibetan-derived culture with unique and colorful prayer stones and monasteries
Explore the world’s highest Lake, Tilicho Lake, and its surrounding mountains.
Experience and Explore the Three different valleys in a single excursion.
Trekking around the Annapurna Conservation Area, the opportunity to discover diverse flora and fauna.
Nar Phu Tilicho Lake Trek itinerary
| Days | Destination | Altitude in Meters | Distance |
| 1. | Drive to Bulbule then trek to Ngadi | 970 | 7h00 |
| 2. | Trek to Jagat | 1400 | 6h00 |
| 3. | Jagat to Dharapani | 1965 | 6h00 |
| 5. | Dharapani to Koto | 2600 | 5h00 |
| 6 – 12. | Trekking around Nar Phu Valley | 4200 | Six days |
| 13. | Hike to Ngawal via Kang – La Pass (5320 m) | 3660 | 8h00 |
| 14-16. | Ngawal to Tilicho East Base Camp | 4900 | Three days |
| 17. | Trek to North Campsite via Eastern Pass (5300 m) | 4950 | 4h00 |
| 18. | Eastern pass to Yak Kharka via Mesokanto Pass (5320 m) | 4320 | 6h00 |
| 19. | Trek to Jomsom | 2700 | 7h00 |
| 20. | Jomsom – Pokhara by plane | ||
| 21. | Drive back to Kathmandu | 6h00 |
Customize Your Holiday?
Tailor your holiday with help from a local travel specialist that matches your requirements.
The Nar Phu Tilicho Pass is perfect for trekkers with excellent physical conditions. It’s because of the magical allure; they’ll admire during this trek. The itinerary is a guideline that can be personalized based on the trekkers’ needs. Please get in touch with us for the customization if not appropriate for you. Autumn and spring are the best time for this trek, but Himalayan Exploration operates throughout the year.
Permit & regulation
The Nar Phu Valley is a restricted area within the Annapurna region. So it is compulsory to have permits to trek in this area. Like other controlled regions’ treks, it is advisable to apply for grants through an authorized trekking company. Nar Phu Valley Permit costs US$ 90 per person per week, whereas the ACAP entry fee is NPR 3000, respectively.
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Day 1: Arrival day (1,300 m)
Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will greet and welcome by our agency’s representative in front of Arrival gate with Display board of Himalayan Exploration Treks then transfer to your Hotel.
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Day 2: Free day and trek preparation.
During the free day in Kathmandu, you may have a chance to visit heritage site of Kathmandu valley, followed by pre-trip departure meeting regarding upcoming trekking peak climbing where you meet trek guide and other team members. They will brief you about the team formation, equipment and nature of peak climbing and others necessary information
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Day 3: Kathmandu – Bulbule – Ngadi (1000 m) 7 hours by bus and 2 hours walk.
A picturesque drive in lowland from Kathmandu to Bulbule 900m 7 hours by bus passing through several villages, landscapes, forests, and rivers. Then adventure footsteps begin here. Then, Trek to Ngadi (1000M) 2 hours walk. (Lodge)
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Day 4: Ngadi – Jagat (1400m) 5 hours walk. (Lodge)
We begin our trek by walking on the classic Annapurna Circuit trail following the Marsyangdi River and climbing steeply to the villages of Bahun Danda where we approach first mountain scenery of Ngadi Chulu (7800 m). Then descend through the cultivated land, waterfalls and small settlements to get Syange by crossing a suspension bridge over Marsyandi River then continue to walk to Jagat.
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Day 5: Jagat – Dharapani (1970m) 6 hours walk. (Lodge)
Early morning, trek to Dharapani from Jagat. An easy walking trail along the road until Chamje and cross a suspension bridge, after it going up with bit zig-zag trails passing through the forests, bamboo and rhododendron to Taal. Then, easy walk along the river get Dharapani.
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Day 6: Dharapani – Koto Manang (2600m) 5 hours walk.
An easy walk to Danaque where can see alpine apple farm. Then uphill to Timan where we can see Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and other major peaks. A police check post comes in Koto to verify special trek permits for Narphu Valley restricted area. (Lodge)
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Day 7: Koto Manang – Dharmasala (3230m) 6 hours walk. (Tent)
The hidden valleys of Nar and Phu village where ethnically Tibetan influence and their tradition and culture still retains. The trail leads Dharmasha crossing a bridge in Koto with the dense forest of Pines and Oaks along the Phu Khola(River) traversing through small pilgrimage caves. (Tent)
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Day 8: Dharmasala – Kyang (3820m) 5 hours walk (Tent)
As usual to others days, after breakfast heading to Kyang lead a steep trail along the valley of Phu Khola by passing small settlements, bushes, yak pastures. Drop down massif glacier above the pastures rewarding truly spectacular scenery. It’s a winter settlement. (Tent)
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Day 9: Kyang – Phu village (4100m) 6 hours walk (Tent)
Exploring the Kyang with its uniqueness of massif glacier above the pastures the way steep descend to the River traversing huge rocks along the trail with small campsites. It is marvelous to see the Tibetan symbolism like colorful stupas, Chhortens, and monasteries where still practices the “AMCHI” (traditional Tibetan treatment method) by the monk.
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Day 10: Acclimatization day!
Visit the village to discover Tibetan Buddhist monuments. Alternatively, a day trip to Himlung Himal Basecamp. The peak is currently opened for climbing. It offers an amazing view of Himalayas Including Manaslu and Annapurna massif from the base camp. (Tent)
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Day 11: Phu village – Junam (3684m) 5 hours walk (Tent)
Back to the same way through Phu gate descending to Juman, a connecting route specially campsite to traditional trading with Manangi.
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Day 12: Junam – Nar (4100m) 5 hours walk (Tent)
Another lost destination in a remote area similar to Pho village waving colorful Tibetan influences as Stupas, monasteries, Chhortens since ancient. The inner Himalayan landscapes are another attraction of the region where peoples cultivate barley, buckwheat, and mustards.
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Day 13: Naar – Kangla Phedi (4500m) 4 hours walk (Tent)
Making an exploration day trip in Nar village with its unique features and heading to Nar Phedi to make a pass of Kang-La. The place is considered as Base camp of Kang-La (5240 m).
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Day 14: Kangla Phedi – Nawal (3660m) via Kangla Pass (5320m) 8h00 walk.
The Pass of Kang-La, It is not much difficulty in the sense of the physical condition. The first pass of the region in this trek and provide proper acclimatization. The Excellent views of Manaslu and Annapurna Himalayan range on the top of the pass. Then downhill to Nawal village spectaculars view of Himalayas. (Lodge)
15
Day 15: Ngawal – Manang (3540m) 4 hours walk (Lodge).
It is an easy descending walk to Manang, the heart of the region, passing through the alpine forest, village and monasteries along the trail where many trekkers are encountered in the classic route of Annapurna Circuit Trek.
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Day 16: Manang – Tilicho Base Camp (4160m) 6 hours walk (Lodge)
The off-trail of Annapurna Circuit trek to Tilicho Base Camp. An ambitious adventure to Tilicho Lake Trek leads through the river bank of Marsyangdi by passing the Shree Kharka village and uphill to Tilicho Base Camp which the last village in the region. (Lodge)
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Day 17: Tilicho Base Camp – Tilicho Lake East Camp (4900m) 4 hours walk (Tent)
As usual in the morning, the footsteps move toward the Tilicho Lake walking along the cold, barren trail.
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Day 18: Tilicho Lake east – North Campsite (4950m) via Eastern La Pass 5300m. Four hours walk (Tent)
Exploring the world’s highest lake according to the altitude situated at 5000 meters the trail along pristine glacier to Eastern –La Pass at 5100 m to North Campsite. Spectacular views of Annapurna massif remained and required some technical knowledge of glacier walk with gears.
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Day 19: North Campsite – Yak Kharka (4320m) via Mesokanto- La pass (5320m) 6 hours walk (Tent)
Today, last pass the golden day of the trek situated on the border with Manang and Mustang with an elevation of 5099 m. ascending and traverse Mesokanto –La Pass and continue descending to Yak Kharaka.
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Day 20: Yak Kharka – Jomsom (2700m) 4 hours walk (Lodge)
Finally, making the adventurous three passes over more than 5,000 m gloriously downhill to Jomsom considered as lower Mustang the busy place due to the administrative quarter of Mustang district. There is an opportunity to visit ancient Thakali’s tradition, culture, flora, and fauna in the Ecocultural museum in Jomsom.
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Day 21: Jomsom – Pokhara by plane. (Hotel includes)
Early morning get to prepare all the baggage flight to Pokhara by plane. Wonderful Himalayan scenery of giant Himalayas Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif can see from the plane.
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Day 22: Kathmandu – Pokhara by tourist bus (hotel includes)
A picturesque drive along the Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu passing by several lowland villages, forests, rivers and get Kathmandu in the afternoon.
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Day 23: Final departure.
Free time in Kathmandu and transfer to the airport two hours before the departure of your flight home.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Kathmandu International Airport | ||||||||
| DEPARTURE TIME | Please arrive at least 3 hours before the flight. | ||||||||
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Aӏӏ tours and itineraries are based on airlines/hotel/tour policies, schedules, and operational conditions at the time of quoting. Availability of prices on the website is limited and at the time of purchase prices may be higher. Aӏӏ prices are subject to change without prior notice due to currency fluctuation, fuel prices and/or unforeseen economic circumstances. Aӏӏ prices published on our websites are set as low as possible. But we guarantee our prices which have already signed up for your tour. Please consult us for customized prices.
No, you are not allowed to drink water from the direct tap or streams on the Nar Phu Tilicho Lake. But you can also use a purifier or SteriPen. It is expensive to buy water (maybe ten times the cost of purchasing water in Kathmandu).
Be conscious. This trek will be over 3500 m in elevation. The possibilities of having an altitude illness usually begin at this altitude. But to prevent this, we have planned the itinerary to give you time to acclimatize as much as possible.
There’s nobody who’s going to suffer from altitude sickness. The younger and fitter people do not experience high altitude illnesses when they feel older and less fit. It’s not related to fitness or age. Speak to your private practitioner. Prescription medicines are available to help avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness. But go gently and listen to the body and be mindful of any changes and listen to your guide if he thinks that you have symptoms (which might not be apparent).
We will be able to collect your travel insurance policies and details before your trip. In case of emergency, we will be able to coordinate with your insurance company and helicopters company for emergency evacuation.
There is no doubt only be a First aid. We take a first-aid kit on every trip. We always advise you to make your own. Here’s a checklist of items you can bring, recommended. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal; however, we suggest that you keep this checklist if necessary.
Yes, we only provide insurance to our staff. We recommend that you purchase insurance in your home country. Note: Insurance should cover medical and emergency evacuation.
No. The trails are well-known. You will not need crampons if you are not traveling in the mid-winter. Instead of the crampons, bring non-technical, lightweight spikes, are less costly and suit any shoe size.
No, we do not need tents or mattresses. There are tea houses along the trek.
When you forget something, it may be complicated to find something here. Check here for a detailed packing list for (general) trekking in Nepal. If you’re not a regular hiker, you can rent most of Nepal’s trekking equipment upon your arrival.
Anything you do not want for the trip can leave at our office or your hotel. We recommend that you make sure your bag is lockable.
Generally, we use local guides. Our guides have been numerous times on each trek to the relevant areas. All are qualified, competent, versatile, and certified licensed guides with the Government of Nepal.
If you use a porter, there are two advantages:
1. You can enjoy your trek entirely without carrying a heavy backpack.
2. Another is to increase the local communities’ income.
1. You can enjoy your trek entirely without carrying a heavy backpack.
2. Another is to increase the local communities’ income.
A porter can carry an average of 20 kg with his or her bag so that they can carry up to 16 kg of your equipment and gears. But we provide a backpack for them.
Yes, of course. We ensure that our staff is well insured.
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