TICINO TREKS

Nar-Phu Valley & Annapurna Traverse via Tilicho Lake & Thorong La Pass
Mountain Vector

Nar-Phu Valley & Annapurna Traverse via Tilicho Lake & Thorong La Pass

Nar-Phu Valley & Annapurna Traverse via Tilicho Lake & Thorong La Pass

Country

Nepal

Duration

16 days

Max Altitude

5,416 meters

Group Size

2 - 15 Person

Difficulty

hard

Best Seasons

Spring and Autumn

Description

This 16-day journey into the Nar-Phu Valley and across the Annapurna region offers one of the most adventurous, scenic, and culturally immersive trekking experiences in Nepal. The Nar-Phu Valley, opened to foreigners only in 2002, is a secluded corner of the Annapurna region, home to ancient Tibetan-influenced villages, pristine high-altitude landscapes, and centuries-old Buddhist monasteries. Trekking through this region provides a rare opportunity to witness life virtually untouched by modern development.

The route progresses through the mystical stone-built settlements of Phu and Nar, and crosses the dramatic Kang La Pass (5,306m), descending into the Annapurna trail near Manang. From there, the adventure intensifies as the trail leads to the remote Tilicho Base Camp and the shimmering glacial waters of Tilicho Lake (4,990m), one of the highest alpine lakes in the world.

Continuing westward, the route merges with the classic Annapurna Circuit and crosses the formidable Thorong La Pass (5,416m), before descending into the sacred region of Muktinath and finally reaching Jomsom. This itinerary is a perfect blend of remote wilderness, Himalayan panoramas, and authentic cultural experiences, ideal for seasoned trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path journey with high-altitude challenges.

Travel Notes

Best Seasons:

  • Autumn (October–November): Clear skies, dry weather, and ideal trekking conditions.

  • Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, but slightly more clouds in the afternoons.

Permits Required:

  • Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Nar-Phu

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

Experience Level:

  • Prior high-altitude trekking experience is highly recommended.

  • No technical climbing involved, but you should be fit and comfortable walking 6–8 hours a day at high elevation.

Acclimatization Strategy:

  • The itinerary is designed to allow gradual altitude gain.

  • Includes rest days at key elevations (Manang).

  • Kang La and Thorong La passes are crossed after proper acclimatization.

 

Itineraries

Departing early in the morning around 6:00 AM, you travel by private jeep, heading out of Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. The first half of the journey, lasting about 5 hours, is on paved roads until Besisahar. After lunch, the road turns rugged and off-road as you continue for another 3–4 hours along the Marsyangdi River, ascending steadily through terraced hillsides and alpine forests. You reach Koto by late afternoon, your gateway into the restricted Nar-Phu Valley.

 

You begin the trek around 8:00 AM, following the Soti Khola gorge on a narrow trail that weaves through dense pine forest and across long suspension bridges. After a steady 7-hour trek, including rest stops and lunch along the way, you arrive at Methang, a remote campsite surrounded by forested cliffs and snowy peaks. Camp is set up by late afternoon.

 

Setting off around 8:30 AM, you continue deeper into the valley on a trail that becomes steeper and rockier. The day’s hike takes 5 to 6 hours, with the final section passing through wide yak pastures. You reach the windswept settlement of Kyang by early afternoon and settle in for a quiet evening under the stars.

 

A shorter trekking day begins around 9:00 AM, taking approximately 3 hours of gradual walking along cliffs and past chortens and main walls. You arrive at Phu Village by midday, leaving time to explore after lunch. Spend the afternoon visiting the Tashi Lakhang Monastery and immersing yourself in the traditional Tibetan culture.

 

You begin the descent around 8:00 AM, retracing part of your path before turning south toward Nar. The trail undulates with ridgelines and valleys, and after 6 to 7 hours of trekking, you arrive at Nar Phedi by late afternoon. Camp is set up near the monastery with excellent views of the surrounding cliffs.

Departing around 8:00 AM, the trail ascends steadily through barren terrain and alpine shrubland. The climb to Kang La Phedi takes 6 to 7 hours, depending on rest stops and acclimatization pace. You arrive at this high-altitude camp in the late afternoon, readying yourself for the pass crossing the next day.

 

An early start at 4:30–5:00 AM ensures firm snow conditions as you ascend toward Kang La Pass. The climb takes about 3–4 hours, followed by a 3-hour steep descent into the picturesque village of Nawal. Total trekking time is approximately 7 hours, and you reach camp by early afternoon.

 

Begin trekking around 8:30 AM as you descend gently through cultivated land and pass the charming village of Braga. The walk to Manang takes about 5 hours, and you’ll reach this bustling Annapurna Circuit hub in the early afternoon. Enjoy the comforts of a teahouse and a hot shower.

 

This rest day is crucial for altitude adjustment. Optional short hikes begin around 9:00 AM, including a 3-hour round trip to Ice Lake or 2–3 hours to Gangapurna Glacier viewpoint. The afternoon is for rest, exploration, or attending an altitude talk at the Himalayan Rescue Association.

 

Leaving Manang around 7:30 AM, you head southwest on a rugged trail toward Tilicho Base Camp. The hike takes 6 to 7 hours, with dramatic scenery and exposed paths above the Marsyangdi Valley. Arrive at base camp by mid-afternoon and camp near the glacier moraine.

 

A very early start at 4:00 AM ensures clear skies as you make the steep ascent to Tilicho Lake. The roundtrip trek takes approximately 7 hours, including time to explore the stunning high-altitude lake and its glacial surroundings. Return to Base Camp by mid-afternoon.

 

After breakfast around 7:30 AM, you retrace your steps and then climb toward Yak Kharka, reconnecting with the main Annapurna trail. The journey takes about 7 hours, and you arrive at this windy, alpine pasture area by mid to late afternoon.

 

Begin around 8:00 AM for a gradual climb past Ledar and up the steep switchbacks to Thorong High Camp. The final section is particularly steep, and the total trek takes 6 hours, with arrival around mid-afternoon. Spend the evening acclimatizing and resting.

 

Starting before dawn at 4:00 AM, you begin the long ascent to Thorong La Pass. It takes about 3–4 hours to reach the summit, followed by a 3-hour descent to Muktinath. Total trekking time is around 7 hours. Arrive in the sacred pilgrimage town for a well-earned rest.

 

The final walking day starts around 8:00 AM, descending gradually through the Kali Gandaki Valley. The trek takes 5 hours, with strong winds likely in the afternoon. Arrive at Jomsom by early afternoon and check into a lodge.

 

Catch an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara around 6:30–7:00 AM, followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu later in the morning or early afternoon. The aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges provide a memorable conclusion to your journey.

 

Cost Includes

Accommodation & Permits

  • Restricted Area Permit (Nar-Phu)

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  • TIMS Card

  • Tent accommodation in Nar-Phu section (Methang, Kyang, Phulgaon, Nar Phedi, etc.)

  • Lodge accommodation in Manang, Yak Kharka, Muktinath, Jomsom

Transportation

  • Private Jeep from Kathmandu to Koto

  • Domestic flights: Jomsom–Pokhara–Kathmandu

  • Airport transfers in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Staff & Support

  • Government-licensed trekking guide

  • Cook and kitchen crew for Nar-Phu section

  • Porters (1 porter per 2 clients)

  • Staff insurance, food, lodging, and transport included

Meals & Camping

  • All meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • High-quality camping gear: sleeping tents, dining tent, kitchen tent

  • Boiled drinking water provided at camps

  • Trekking duffel bag for personal use

 

Cost Excludes

Accommodation & Meals

  • Hotel and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara

  • Bottled drinks, alcohol, chocolate, snacks during trek

Personal Gear & Medical

  • Personal trekking gear (boots, down jacket, sleeping bag, poles)

  • Personal first aid kit and medicines

  • Travel & medical insurance

  • Emergency evacuation (helicopter, if needed)

Miscellaneous

  • Tips for guide, cook, and porters

  • Visa fees for Nepal (available on arrival)

  • Any other expenses not mentioned in the inclusions

 

Reviews

No reviews added yet.

Explore More

Similar Packages

We are associated with

Associations

We are affiliated with

Affiliations

Affiliation
GON
Affiliation
TAAN
NATTA

Subscribe

Welcome to the Beta Version of Ticino Treks and Expedition!

We're still working on some features, so check back soon for updates. Thank you for your patience!