The 16-day Nar-Phu Valley & Annapurna Traverse via Tilicho Lake & Thorong La Pass is a demanding high-altitude journey that combines the remote landscapes and Tibetan-influenced culture of Nar-Phu Valley with some of the most spectacular sections of the classic Annapurna Circuit. Crossing two major Himalayan passes and visiting Tilicho Lake, the itinerary is designed for experienced and physically fit trekkers looking for a challenging route through isolated valleys, traditional mountain settlements, and dramatic alpine terrain.

The journey begins with an overland jeep drive from Kathmandu to Koto at 2,600 meters, the gateway to the restricted Nar-Phu Valley. From Koto, the trekking route leaves the busier Annapurna Circuit and heads into a much more secluded section of the Himalayas. The trail progresses through Methang and Kyang, following narrow valleys, forested sections, suspension bridges, rocky trails, and high-altitude pastures as the landscape gradually becomes more open and rugged.

From Kyang, the route continues to Phu Village at 4,080 meters, one of the major cultural highlights of the journey. Traditional stone-built houses, Buddhist chortens, mani walls, monasteries, and strong Tibetan cultural influences characterize this isolated Himalayan settlement. Time in Phu provides an opportunity to experience the distinctive traditions and landscapes of the upper Nar-Phu region before continuing toward Nar Phedi.

The trek then climbs from Nar Phedi to Kang La Phedi at 4,530 meters, positioning trekkers for the first major pass crossing of the itinerary. The following morning begins early for the ascent to Kang La Pass at 5,306 meters (17,408 feet). From the pass, expansive views open across the Annapurna region before a long descent leads to Nawal at 3,660 meters.

From Nawal, the trek continues through cultivated landscapes and the traditional village of Braga before reaching Manang at 3,540 meters. A dedicated acclimatization and exploration day in Manang provides valuable recovery time before moving into another demanding high-altitude section of the route. Optional local exploration and short acclimatization hikes can be undertaken according to conditions and the guide's recommendations.

Leaving Manang, the trail turns toward Tilicho Base Camp at 4,150 meters, following rugged and exposed mountain terrain. An early start the following day leads to Tilicho Lake at 4,990 meters (16,371 feet). After spending time exploring the lake and its dramatic glacial surroundings, the route returns to Tilicho Base Camp for the night.

The journey then reconnects with the main Annapurna trail and continues toward Yak Kharka at 4,050 meters before climbing to Thorong High Camp at 4,925 meters. These high-altitude stages require a steady pace, good physical conditioning, and careful attention to acclimatization as the trek prepares for its highest point.

One of the defining days of the journey is the crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), the maximum elevation of the entire trek. Beginning before dawn, the route climbs gradually toward the pass before descending steeply toward Muktinath at 3,760 meters. The change in scenery is dramatic, transitioning from barren high-altitude terrain into the drier landscapes of the Mustang region.

From Muktinath, the journey continues by shared jeep or local transportation to Jomsom at 2,710 meters through the Kali Gandaki Valley. The itinerary also includes an excursion by jeep to Marpha Village before returning to Jomsom. This final overland section provides a contrasting experience after the demanding days of high-altitude trekking.

The adventure concludes with a domestic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Weather permitting, these mountain flights provide impressive aerial perspectives of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions and mark a memorable end to the 16-day traverse.

Throughout the trekking journey, accommodation is arranged in the best available local teahouses and mountain lodges. Three meals per day are provided during trekking days, along with tea or coffee at breakfast and fresh seasonal fruit after dinner whenever available. The trek is supported by an experienced, government-licensed English-speaking guide and porters, with one porter provided for every two trekkers.

The Nar-Phu Valley & Annapurna Traverse via Tilicho Lake & Thorong La Pass is best suited to trekkers with previous high-altitude experience who are comfortable with long walking days, sustained climbs, steep descents, and multiple days above 4,000 meters. Combining the remote Nar-Phu Valley, Kang La Pass, Manang, Tilicho Lake, Thorong La Pass, Muktinath, and Jomsom within one itinerary, it offers an exceptional blend of Himalayan culture, remote trekking, and demanding high-altitude adventure.

Trip Notes

Trek Route

• Begins with a jeep journey from Kathmandu to Koto

• Enters the restricted Nar-Phu Valley and follows the route through Methang, Kyang, Phu Village, and Nar Phedi

• Climbs to Kang La Phedi before crossing Kang La Pass at 5,306 meters

• Descends through Nawal and continues to Manang

• Includes a dedicated acclimatization and exploration day in Manang

• Continues from Manang to Tilicho Base Camp

• Includes a round-trip hike to Tilicho Lake at 4,990 meters

• Rejoins the Annapurna Circuit toward Yak Kharka and Thorong High Camp

• Crosses Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, the highest point of the trek

• Descends to Muktinath and continues by road to Jomsom

• Includes an excursion to Marpha Village

• Concludes with domestic flights from Jomsom to Pokhara and onward to Kathmandu

Best Season to Travel

• Spring (March–May): Generally milder high-altitude trekking conditions, longer daylight hours, and seasonal vegetation at lower elevations

• Autumn (October–November): Generally dry and stable trekking conditions with clear skies and excellent Himalayan visibility

Temperature Overview

• The finalized itinerary does not specify fixed temperature ranges, and Himalayan temperatures can vary considerably according to altitude, season, wind, snowfall, and daily weather conditions

• Lower sections around Koto and the valleys are generally milder than the high-altitude stages

• Temperatures become progressively colder around Phu Village, Kang La Phedi, Tilicho Base Camp, Yak Kharka, and Thorong High Camp

• Sub-zero temperatures should be expected at high elevations, particularly during early-morning starts and around Kang La Pass, Tilicho Lake, and Thorong La Pass

• Trekkers should be equipped for rapidly changing mountain weather and cold conditions above 4,000 meters

Trekking Grade

• Hard

• Recommended for trekkers with good physical fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience

• Many trekking days involve approximately 5 to 8 hours of walking

• Includes long ascents, steep descents, rugged and exposed mountain trails, and consecutive days at high altitude

• Crosses two major high passes: Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass

• No technical climbing is included in the finalized itinerary

• Proper acclimatization, steady pacing, and guidance from the trekking leader are important throughout the journey

Maximum Elevation

• Thorong La Pass: 5,416 meters (17,769 feet)

• Kang La Pass: 5,306 meters (17,408 feet)

• Tilicho Lake: 4,990 meters (16,371 feet)

Accommodation

• Accommodation in the best available local teahouses and mountain lodges during the trek

• Accommodation becomes more basic in remote and high-altitude sections of Nar-Phu Valley and the Annapurna region

• Camping is not included in the finalized package

• Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu is not included unless requested separately

Meals

• Three meals per day during trekking days: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• Meals are selected from the available teahouse or lodge menu

• Tea or coffee with breakfast

• Fresh seasonal fruit after dinner whenever available

• Farewell lunch or dinner in Kathmandu is included

• Other Kathmandu meals are not included unless arranged separately

Transportation

• International and domestic airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle

• Jeep transportation from Kathmandu to Koto

• Shared jeep or local bus transportation from Muktinath to Jomsom

• Jeep excursion from Jomsom to Marpha Village and return, as stated in the itinerary

• Domestic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and onward to Kathmandu

Permits Required

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Nar-Phu Valley

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

• Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card

• Government taxes, VAT, and company service charges are included in the package