Nar Phu Tilicho Lake Trek-16 days Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho lake is an ideal off the beaten tea house trek in Annapurna. The pictorial landscapes and culture of Nar Phu valley is similar to Tibet. The trek route is beyond the regular Annapurna circuit trek trail. Thus, Nar Phu valley is rugged and a little change over the years. Spend a few days in Nar Phu valley and cross Kang La pass at (5300m) on the way to Manang. The area has opened for trekking since 2003, and a special trek permit is necessary trek to Nar Phu valley.
From Nar Phu village, we head to the world’s highest Tilicho Lake at 5300m crossing Kang La pass at 5300m. The entire trekking route of Annapurna Nar Phu Tilicho trek is a part of great Himalayan trail. The Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake is the most spectacular treks in Nepal. So, discover an amazing mountain views, ancient villages and unique cultures, and pass over the narrow canyons, yaks, chorten and many other.
The trek difficulty is challenging. Autumn, Spring and Summer is the best time trekking Nar Phu valley and Tilicho Lake. Kang La and Tilicho Lake is the highest point you will be in 16 days Nar Phu valley and Tilicho Lake trekking.
Why Nar Phu Tilicho Lake Trek
- Explore hidden Nar Phu Valley alike with Tibet culture and civilization
- Visit the world's highest lake Tilicho Lake
- Sighted snowleopards, blue sheep and musk deer while on the trekking.
Trip Itinerary
Day 01Kathmandu to Besishahar(850m, 6 hours drive)
6 hours AP Plan-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Breakfast and get bus drive to Besishahar for 6 hours. It is also possible to drive by private car or car or Hiance from Kathmandu but it cost addtional cost. Stay night in Besishahar.
Day 02 Besishahar to Koto (2,610 m, 5-6 hrs)
5/6 hours AP Plan-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Now is the time you move towards a few steep forested ridges along with several landslides en route on the west of the deep valley. You will be treated with some of the most sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525 m/24,688 ft). Small hot springs add relief on your long day hard trek in Chame. Overnight stay in Chame.
Day 03Koto to Meta(3560m, 7-8 hours, 18 km)
7/8 hours, 18 km AP Plan-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Start the day early, as there is a lot of distance to cover. Cross the river and enter the Nar & Phu valleys. Towns on the nearby Annapurna Circuit are relatively well developed, but this is not the case in these valleys. Today’s trekking route passes through beautiful woods, past small cave shelters and pilgrims’ resting places. Emerging from a narrow canyon, the trail passes under a wide waterfall, from which point the woods become thinner and the vistas wider. The last stretch into Meta involves climbing a steep hill, from which there are amazing views of some of the giant snowy peaks in the area. Meta lies on a big open plain and consists of a few lodges, which are simple but clean and offer good meals.
Day 04Meta to Phu Village(4080m, 18 km, 7-8 hours)
18 km,7/8 hours AP Plan-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Trekking out of Meta, some of the unique, colorful Tibetan Buddhist chortens that Nar and Phu are famous for begin to appear in sight. The trail meanders along the ridge with a good view of the magnificent Nar Phedi monastery, where you will stay in a few days’ time. After another ninety minutes hiking through scenic canyons and gorges, you’ll reach a monolith that guards the steep trail up to Phu. From here, you can get your first view of the three villages in the area as well as the old “dzong” (Tibetan-style fortress) and the remains of two ruined forts, impressively situated atop the flatlands before the village. Just before crossing the bridge into Phu, a line of wonderful chortens color the landscape. After a rest and refreshments, take a short walk up to the famous Tashi Lhakhang Gompa to pay respects to Lama Karma Sonam Rimpoche who came to Nepal with the Dalai Lama in 1959.
Day 05Phu village excursion day
Rest Day AP Plan-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
When you hike up either to the summer pasture Ngoru Kharka or to Himlung Base Camp, the view of the majestic Mt Himlung (7125 m) waits you. Explore local culture with awesome life style and visit the most famous Tashi Lhokhang gompa at 4150 m. ‘Phu’ means ‘Head of the Valley’ and the 6364 m pyramid shaped mountain to the north is named after a Nepali wife of Tibetan king Songtseng Gompo, Bhrikuti. Phu village is snow bounded almost completely deserted in winter.
Day 06Phu Village – Nar Phedi (3850m, 5-6 hrs)
5/6 hours AP Plan-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Retrace to Khyang and Jhunam to trail junction which has a clear view of Nar. The trail then drops and passes through the fantastically eroded hoodoos over sandy gules connected by bridge like platform. Look for the ruined Zampa Cho Dzong (a dzong is a fort: zampa is Tibetan for bridge) Cross the bridge to Nar Phedi campsite. Overnight stay in camp or local lodge.
Day 07Nar Phedi – Nar village (4150m, 4-5 hrs)
4-5 hours AP Plan-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
The trail ascends up as you start this day with the view of Kangarun peak passing the Nar gate. The trail curves facing a beautiful view of the Pisang peak. A simple porter shelter with 10 chortens makes a possible campsite, turn to the corner. Then you will see the Nar village curving around barley field in a natural bowl. Nar a home for blue sheep is larger than Phu village. Overnight stay in camp or local lodge.
Day 08Nar Village excursion day
Rest Day AP Plan-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Explore the Nar Village with the horizon dominated view of Kangaru Himal and Pisang peak. Go to the Guru Cholling Gompa on the top of the village and similarly visit Samten Polgye Ling, Kunsel Dochen choling Gompa and Samdru Choling. Recharge yourself and get prepared for the next day long walk to Kang La pass.
Day 09Nar village – Kang La (5320m) – Ngawal (3615m, 6-7 hrs)
6/7 hours AP Plan-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
The trail leads through the village with the superb views from Pisang Peak to the yak grazing Alps. Walk through the yak pastures and descend to the head of the valley. Now you have to traverse through a small flat land of Jhambu Kharka alos known as Kang La Phedi. Encounter a stream on a long bridge and climb steeply on Z –shaped path to chorten before curving into the bridge ahead. Climb carefully along the small frozen lake to the pass with the breathtaking view of Pisang Peak over the Annapurna range. Descend down overlooking the picturesque landscape and cinerary which past the yakk and sheep shelters. You finally reach Ngawal after a long-day walk. Overnight stay at local lodge.
Day 10Ngawal – Manang (3550m,5-6 hrs)
5/6 hours AP Plan-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Embark upon the Annapurna trail for an easy hike to Manang with the magnificient view of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Gandarba Chuli and Pisang Peak. You pass through a famous and huge Braga monastery built way back in the 17th century. It is also worth to make a visit to Gompa on the side of the cliff. After the lunch, go for a short walk through the upstream of the Marshyangdi River to a large modern village Manang with the guest houses having good facilities.
Day 11Manang to Shree Kharka(3800m, 5-6 hours)
5/6 hours AP Plan-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Brekfast and trek for 5 to 6 hours to Shree Kharka via Khangsar village.
Day 12Shree Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp(4200m, 5-6 hours)
5/6 hours AP Plan-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Breakfast and trek for 5-6 hours to Tilicho Base Camp and stay night there.
Day 13Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake(4900m, 6-8 hours)
6/8 hours AP Plan-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Breakfast and exploration trek to Tilicho lake with pack lunch and some engergy bar and back to Tilicho Base Camp for night halt.
Day 14TBC to Manang(3500m, 6-7 hours)
6/7 hours AP Plan-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Brekafast and trek for 5 to 6 hours trek back to Manang and stay night there.
Day 15Manang to Besishahar(850m, 6-7 hours drive)
6/7 hours MAP Plan-Breakfast, & Lunch or Dinner Basic Tea house lodge
Breakfast and get jeep drive to Besishahar for 6 to 7 hours and stay night at Besishahar.
Day 16Besishahar to Pokhara or Kathmandu
6 hours BB Plan-Breakfast Standard Accommodation Hotel in Kathmandu
Breakfast and get drive back to Kathmandu and to Pokhara also if possible .
What's included?
Full fledged
- Airport transfer - hotel/airport/hotel
- Twin sharing standard hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu before and after trek we can book only on your request.
Elementary Cost
- Road transfer cost -from/to trek start to ending point Kathmandu-Besisahar-Nayapul-Pokhara-Kathmandu
- Basic twin sharing tea house accommodation during trek.
- 3 times meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.
- English Speaking guide and all his expenses during the trek like his transfer, insurance, salary, meals and accommodation.
- All Trekking permit -ACAP Permit, local government taxes and TIMS card.
- All government taxes, vat, company service charge.
What's not included?
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Travel Insurance in case of emergency for rescue and other medication.
- Nepal visa fee
- All kind of hot and cold drinks - coke, fanta, beer, whisky, bottle of water, hot water, tea, coffee etc.
- All personal trekking equipment like down jacket and sleeping bag etc.
- Porter to carry your backpack/luggage.
- Tips for guide and porter
- Personal expenses like wifi, hot shower, telephone, battery charge fee.
- Upgraded lodge accommodation like room with private toilet and bathroom during the trek.
- All the cost not mention on above cost includes.
Join Fixed Departure
Trip Dates | Price (USD) | Space Left | Booking |
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Trip Information
Annapurna Region Trek Accommodation
Annapurna Region Trek accommodation will be basic tea houses for boarding/lodging.This is the most popular style of trekking to langtang Valley and simply involves trekking from tea house to tea house. Tea houses are essentially small hotels find in local villages that offer both a place to sleep as well as home cooked meals. Rooms are typically shared with 2 trekkers in a room. Bathrooms are shared as well and in the langtang Trek, the lodges usually have running cold water and western style toilets. Also the hot shower is also available but it need to pay extra cost for it.
In some of the villages on the trek, it may be possible to have a private room with an extra cost and we will do our best to arrange that. However, during busy times of the year there is a limited amount of lodging available in some of the villages so it's generally impossible to arrange private rooms. This is the case even if you're willing to pay extra since the tea house owners will not give out a private room if it means someone else goes without a room.
Annapurna Trek Meals/Food
Trekkers can choose a meal/food from the menus at the tea houses. Typical meals on langtang trek includes omelets, toast, boiled eggs, noodle soup, fried rice, macaroni, mo mo, vegetarian curries, pizza or chow mein. The traditional Nepali Dal Bhat which consists of rice, lentils, and a vegetable is all you can eat and always a good choice. Meat on the mountain is not hygienic and we suggest trekkers stick with vegetarian options.
There is not a problem for vegetarian food and in fact we recommend that everyone stick with a vegetarian diet on the trek as the local meat is not refrigerated properly. If you have special dietary requirements just let us know and we will make sure to assist with the proper menu.
Annapurna Trek Weather/Temperature
Weather/Temperature in Summer Annapurna region trek in June, July, and August have the hottest temperature.The temperature in the daytime in Annapurna is between 20 to 25 degree centigrade. The maximum temperature is found in the month of June and July. The nighttime temperatures in Annapurna during the summer is high too. The lowest that the temperature gets in the night time is -3 degree centigrade and a maximum of 5 degrees. The temperature in the months of June and July are pretty similar.
Weather/Temperature in Autumn in Annapurna region Trek lasts from the end of September to the November. This is the part of the year when the cold starts to set in the Annapurna region. The maximum daytime temperature starts to go down from 20 degrees in September and falls to 12 degrees in November. The sun will not be as warm as that in the summers, but that is expected. In September the average nighttime temperature is almost 3 degrees. This starts to fall down and reach in between -7 to - 15 degrees in November
Weather/Temperature in Winter Annapurna region Trek in December, January and February. The coldest of all the months throughout the year, winter at Annapurna as severely cold and poses challenges to the interested people. The average temperature during the daytime in the Annapurna winters is 8 degree centigrade. There is not a lot of difference in the temperature in December, January as well as February. All three months are equally cold. Nighttime is when the temperature falls down drastically. The nighttime temperatures around -7 degrees but it can go as low as -15 degrees.
Weather/Temperature in Spring March/April/ May a perfect time to enjoy Annapurna. The daytime temperature in March is around 12 degrees. This temperature goes up to 15-16 degrees in the month of April and peaks to almost 20 degrees in May. Devoid of biting cold and hot and wet summers, this is a glorious time for all Annapurna lovers.The nighttime temperatures, although sometimes below zero are not alarmingly low. The lowest that nighttime temperatures get is -8 in March. This increases to -5 degrees in April and -3 in May.
Annapurna Trek Equipment
Proper preparation and equipment will give you a great trekking experience. It is also possible to buy/rent trekking gear at affordable price in Kathmandu and Pokhara Nepal. Below is the recommended trekking equipment list for comfortable langtang trek.
Day trek pack
Extra layers, gloves, wind breaker and poncho
Sunscreen
Lip Balm with Sunscreen
Broad brimmed hat or bandana (for sun protection)
Iodine Water Tablets (personal preference)
Water Bottles or Camel Back
Sunglasses
Headlamp with extra batteries
Favorite Snacks
Waterproof bags to protect electronics or paperwork
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
Umbrella (works great in a light rain or to protect from the sun)
Duct tape or moleskin for blisters
Toilet Paper
Trekking Poles (optional)
Thermos (optional for hot beverages)
Head/Hands
Wide brimmed hat
Wool hat (Should cover ears)/Balaclava
Lightweight Gloves
Insulated Wool/Down Mittens
Gaiters (optional)
Body/Leg/Bag
Moisture wicking long sleeve T-shirts (2)
Moisture wicking T-shirts (1)
Long underwear pants (2)
Underwear (5 to 7)
Heavy Fleece/Down Jacket
Long sleeve shirts (2)
Sweatshirt (optional)
Fleece Pants
Trekking Pants (2)
Shorts (optional)
Gore Tex Waterproof Jacket with hood
Rain Poncho that covers your day pack
Waterproof Pants
FootWear
Hiking boots with ankle support
Camp shoes or Tennis Shoes
Plastic bag to carry spare shoes
Hiking socks (10)
Sock Liners (optional)
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag rated to -20° degree centigrade
Sleeping bag liner (optional)
Sleeping bag stuff sack
Rucksack(Duffel Bag)/Daypacks
Duffel Bag for Carrying Your Gear (we provide this for the trek)
Day Pack for Carrying what you need on the trail
Small Lock(s) for duffel bag and day pack
Waterproof cover for daypack
Dry Bags in several sizes
Stuff sacks for dirty clothes/shoes
First Aid Kit/Toiletries
Advil or Ibuprofen
Diamox (for altitude sickness)
Personal Prescriptions
Medical Tape (for preventing treating blisters)
Antibiotics (Cipro for travelers’ diarrhea)
Diaper Rash Cream (Can treat rashes or chaffing)
Basic toiletries (Soap, Deodorant…)
Wet wipes
Panty Liners and Tampons
Sun/Face lotion
Hair brush
Hair ties
Hand warmers
Ear plugs for sleeping
Money/Paperwork
Passport (needed at entry gate for registration)
Spending Money
One Passport Size Photo (Needed for trekking permit
Other Items
Portable Solar Charger
Journal, pen and paper
FAQs
The rooms/accommodation on Annapurna region Trek are all very basic. There are many nice, cozy and well-furnished rooms available with the delicious food menu and great hospitality in the tea houses and lodges.
If you had not done trekking before then, this region will be best for the startups which are the moderate level of trekking.
You will need to carry a good-sized of a day pack where you could put your personal belonging items, water, camera, snacks, sunscreen, hat, a fleece jacket and gloves for higher altitudes. The porters will carry the bigger packs with your clothes etc. They will carry packs up to 15kg.
Yes, there are electricity/power in most tea houses at the lower part of the trekking. But no heating in the room. In the higher part of the trekking, there will power only a solar panel. The charging is only possible in the main dining room at expensive rates. The battery charging cost range take as per hour for cameras and laptop computers even more expensive.
Yes, Insurance is almost needed 100% trekking to Annapurna region. Injury and altitude sickness are far too common on ABC trek. So it is best to pick up insurance World.
Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May), these are the best season to go on a trek in Annapurna Region. The sky is clear at this time, and you will get to see panoramic views of Annapurna Mountains.
If someone get sick in the group, a fellow trekker in the group has to descend, then a porter/assistant guide would go with them. So the person descending would be well looked after and it would not impact on the rest of the group's experience. Emergencies are dealt with by the guide and depending on the severity. In a serious case evacuation would be by helicopter
There is no specify training method to recommend that applies to each individual. The training you should do to prepare for Annapurna region trek depends on your current level of fitness and any medical condition.
There are between 2 to 12 fellow travellers in the group. The Annapurna trek is a popular trip so most of our groups are fully booked. The groups typically are a mix of individuals, couples or friends travelling together. The ages differ and trekkers can be in their 20's to 60's. The group comprises of people from all nationalities.
Trekking in Annapurna region is considered moderate in difficulty level, but still, a good level of fitness is required to complete the trek. As long as you are physically fit and possess sound health, you can go on this trek. We have a flexible route with enough acclimatization and rest days before heading towards higher elevation.
Annapurna region trek is not dangerous at all because trekking in Annapurna region is considered moderate. The altitude increases with daily ascent above 3,000 m to 4,000 m high.There are risks of getting altitude sickness, as you will be trekking above 3000 m. It depends on the person, how he/she is going to react to altitude regardless of their fitness and experience.
Weather/Temperature in Summer Annapurna region trek in June, July, and August have the hottest temperature.The temperature in the daytime in Annapurna is between 20 to 25 degree centigrade. The maximum temperature is found in the month of June and July. The nighttime temperatures in Annapurna during the summer is high too. The lowest that the temperature gets in the night time is -3 degree centigrade and a maximum of 5 degrees. The temperature in the months of June and July are pretty similar.
Weather/Temperature in Autumn in Annapurna region Trek lasts from the end of September to the November. This is the part of the year when the cold starts to set in the Annapurna region. The maximum daytime temperature starts to go down from 20 degrees in September and falls to 12 degrees in November. The sun will not be as warm as that in the summers, but that is expected. In September the average nighttime temperature is almost 3 degrees. This starts to fall down and reach in between -7 to - 15 degrees in November
Weather/Temperature in Winter Annapurna region Trek in December, January and February. The coldest of all the months throughout the year, winter at Annapurna as severely cold and poses challenges to the interested people. The average temperature during the daytime in the Annapurna winters is 8 degree centigrade. There is not a lot of difference in the temperature in December, January as well as February. All three months are equally cold. Nighttime is when the temperature falls down drastically. The nighttime temperatures around -7 degrees but it can go as low as -15 degrees.
Weather/Temperature in Spring March/April/ May a perfect time to enjoy Annapurna. The daytime temperature in March is around 12 degrees. This temperature goes up to 15-16 degrees in the month of April and peaks to almost 20 degrees in May. Devoid of biting cold and hot and wet summers, this is a glorious time for all Annapurna lovers.
The nighttime temperatures, although sometimes below zero are not alarmingly low. The lowest that nighttime temperatures get is -8 in March. This increases to -5 degrees in April and -3 in May.
Since you will be in the mountainous region, Wifi and phone network might not work everywhere or for many days. However, most of the guesthouses offer Wifi for free or for a little charge. It is better not to rely on the internet and enjoy your trip.
At the lower altitude the guesthouses provide the facilities of hot shower. And in rest of the places (at higher elevation), warm water in the bucket will be provided for shower. For all the showers, it costs you extra charge per shower. The higher you go the hot shower is expensive.
Yes, you will be able to use ATM and Credit Cards during the trip. You can use ATM Card in Kathmandu valley and major cities, it’s better to have cash.
The hotel in Kathmandu provides the free storage services. So you can leave all your items that are not required for the trekking at your hotel or you can leave in our office too.
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.
Yes, all our trips are guaranteed to run. We never cancel the trip due to not having enough participants; we can arrange the trip for one person as well as a private trip at very minimum additional cost. Please inquire about this during the time of booking.
These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel reception by paying some charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters! You can also buy the adapters in the super markets or electronic shops in the Kathmandu. Our guide can help you with it.
According to thee size of your groups, it differs. The vehicles will be small and light so that it can be handled easily and safely through the narrow roads of Nepal. It can be a car, minibus, land cruiser, van, Jeep.