Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake trek

Overview
Itinerary
Includes/Excludes
Trip Info

Max. Altitude

5416m

Best Season

Sep-November

Activity

Trekking

Start / End Point

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Overview of Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake trek

Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake trek is an incredible trek route in the Annapurna region. It’s one of the best and most picturesque treks any hiker can come across in the country.

Crammed between Annapurna and Manaslu region, Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake is a hidden beauty. The trek is one of a kind, providing a wilderness experience and a unique beauty.

With abundant biodiversity and varied resource, Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake trek provide a great reward. Its incredible journey will take you through many old villages, terraced farms, and alpine forests, providing a great view.

The trek will give you a rare insight into the lifestyle, culture, and habits of the Himalayan people. All along the trail, it’ll delight you with a mesmerizing view of rushing streams, terraced cliffsides, and surrounding mountains.

The steep hillside trail will give you a rare view of deep gorges, river valleys, and mountain passes. At the circuit, it’ll give you a close shot of Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda.

Maximum Altitude

1,360 m

Trek Duration

20 min drive

Accomodations

3 Star Hotel

Maximum Altitude

1,360 m

Meals

Breakfast

Accomodations

3 Star Hotel

Maximum Altitude

1,300 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodations

Lodge

Transportation

9 hours Drive

Maximum Altitude

1,860 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

4 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

Maximum Altitude

2,610 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

Maximum Altitude

3,560 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

7 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

Maximum Altitude

4,250 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

7 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

Maximum Altitude

4,110 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

Maximum Altitude

5,322 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

7 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

Maximum Altitude

3,540 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

4 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

Panoroma-of-Tilicho-peak-from-Manang-village

Maximum Altitude

3,540 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodations

Lodge

Maximum Altitude

4,918 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

Maximum Altitude

4,918 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

Maximum Altitude

4,010 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

Maximum Altitude

4,450 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

Maximum Altitude

5,416 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

8 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

Maximum Altitude

1,190 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodations

Lodge

Transportation

5 hours Drive

Maximum Altitude

2,874 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

8 hours Trek

Accomodations

Lodge

Poon hill View sunrise Ghorepani Poon hill Trek

Maximum Altitude

2,070 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodations

Lodge

Meals

Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodations

3 Star

Meals

Breakfast

Accomodations

3 Star Hotel

Maximum Altitude

1,360 m

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 hours Trek

Accomodations

2 Star

Meals

Breakfast

Transportation

20 minutes Drive

Equipment Checklist

Required Equipments for Trekking in Nepal

Breathable Underwear
Sports Bra
Base Layers
Trekking Shirts
Trekking Trousers and Shorts
Fleece Jacket
Down jacket (insulated jacket)
Windcheater (water proof)
Sun protection Hat
Headband or Beanie
Scarf or neckband
Gloves (inner and outer )
Hiking Boots
Trekking Shoes
Hiking Socks
Thermal Socks
Gaiters
Duffel Bag
Day pack
Sleeping Bag
Trekking poles
Sunglasses
Hydration bladder or Water bottle
Head Lamps
Batteries
Personal towel
Swiss army knife
Sun lotion
Medical & first-aid kit
Woolen socks
Waterproof jacket
Lip Guard
Insulated pants
Baby wipers

Required Equipments for Climbing in Nepal

Water bottle
Batteries and bulbs
Flashlight
Personal towel
Swiss army knife
Rucksack
Sun lotion
Medical & first-aid kit
Sewing kit
Polypropylene/wool socks
Other required equipment
Sleeping bag
Down Jacket
Waterproof jacket
Trekking shoes/boots
Camp shoes
Jumperorpile jacket
Hiking pants
Hiking shirts
Full–sleeves shirt
T-shirts
Sun hat
Gloves
Woolen hat
Long underwear
Goggles or sun glasses
Gaiters
Sun block for lips
Light cotton socks
Mountain trekking boots
Woolen socks to wear with boots
Nylon wind breaker
Insulated pants
Nylon wind pants
Long sleeved cotton/woolen shirts
Sun hat
Long cotton hiking shorts
Fleece/wool for climbing
Lightweight fleece
Sleeping pad (karri mat) or thermarest
Down high altitude sleeping bag
Down jacket/trousers/vest
Light cotton athletic socks and wool socks
Water proof climbing jacket
Head torch/batteries/bulbs
Climbing sunglasses
Lightweight thermal/insulated ski gloves
Sun screen
Warm climbing trousers
Wool long underwear
Other required equipment
Climbing boots
Gaiters
Ice axe
Harness
Crampons
Karabiners
Tapes/slings
Snow bars
Ice screws
Rock pegs
Deadmen
Crash hat
Day bag
Rucksack
Lip salve
T-shirts
Ascenders
Ascenders
Kit bag

Private Transport Airport picks up and drops for Nar Phu Valley with Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake
Kathmandu 03 nights03-star Hotel BB plan
Private jeep ride from Kathmandu to Beshisahar
Local jeep ride from Besi Sahar to Jagat
Pokhara 02 Night 03-star Hotel BB plan
Lodge Accommodation throughout the trek
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner throughout the trek from the Lodge menu
As per group size experience, government license holder trek guide, helpful and friendly strong, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff. ( 5 trekkers 1 assistant guide )All necessary permits (TIMS, Restricted Area Permit) and entry fees
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Nar Phu valley
Annapurna Region trek map
Muktinath to Tatopani local jeep ride
Local Bus/Jeep ride from Naya pul to Pokhara
Tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Sleeping bags / Down jacket
First Aid Kit
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

Meals not quantified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary’
Travel Insurance
International airfare
Wifi and telephone during the trek
Tips to guide porter and others
Nepal entry visa charge.
All beverage and other personal expenses.
Snacks and other personal expenses
Hot shower during the trek

The route to Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake Trek with Annapurna Circuit begins on the Lamjung’s Besisahar trail and rises 4,250 meters on a rugged path to Phu. It threads through Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake to Annapurna Circuit.

The trail passes through many remote villages of the Annapurna region before heading to the circuit. You’ll trek along the gushing river bank and cascading waterfall to Chyamche and Tal before joining Dharapani.

From here, the trail runs on a narrow rugged hillside entering Nar and Phu Valley. Over time, you’ll frequently cross the suspension bridge and walk through a subtropical forest full of rhododendron bamboo and oak.

After a night of sleep in Meta, you’ll walk the meandering trail along the ridge and traverse a flat terrain before making a final ascent to Phu. Coming day, the trail ascends steep hills, turning to Nar Phedi, where there is a beautiful Tibetan monastery. After spending a night here, we’ll head to Kang La Pass, which is a tough hike.

Its rough, steep trail full of rocks and boulders makes it difficult to ascend. Finally, after a trek of 8 hours, we’ll reach Ngawal and rest the night there. Next, we’ll head to Tilicho Base Camp following three days of a long and difficult trek through Manang.

The trails of Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake Trek in Manang are arid, so the trek here is a lot more challenging. But, once you reach the camp, the hike will be worth it as it’ll reward you with the astounding view of Tilicho and its surrounding mountains.

Out of Tilicho, the trail heads into the remote terrain of Thorung Phedi and Thorung La in the Annapurna region. It connects Muktinath Temple with the village of Manang to the east and Ranipauwa to the west.

Its dramatic landscapes and rugged terrains between Yak Kharka and Annapurna Circuit make trekking difficult. You’ll get a high-altitude experience as the trail goes up to the circuit. The trek includes traversing the harsh trail and a steep drop to the Marsyangdhi River.

As soon as you climb the mountainous ridge of Thorong La, you’ll get beautiful glimpses of Annapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Damodar Himal. You’ll also see shimmering glaciers around, providing a lovely view.

After spending some time at the circuit, you’ll retrace the steps to Muktinath. The following day, you’ll be driven to Tatopani and trek Ghorepani and Ulleri. From Ulleri, we’ll have a scenic drive to Pokhara and a one-day stay in the city.

We’ll take this time to look around the city and explore some popular destinations. You can walk along the shore of Phewa Lake, which provides an unreal view amidst surrounding mountains and sweeping hills. We’ll return to Kathmandu on the last day and enjoy some time here before flying back.

When is the best time for Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake trek?

One of the best times for Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit via Tilicho Lake is in the spring, from March through mid-May, before the sweltering temperature hits. You’ll likely experience pleasant weather and spectacular views during these time frames.

Spring brings warm and joyful weather with it. After what seemed an everlasting winter, trekkers will be able to enjoy sunny days. The weather won’t be too hot initially but will be warmer over time. Due to the cold, the trails are often empty in March and crowded in April.

Another best time is Autumn, which covers mid-September to November. The weather in Autumn is mild and breezy at Nar Phu Valley, making it a great time for trekking. Though Annapurna Circuit remains cold, you can expect warm days in much of the region. Days are usually hotter than nights as temperatures rise to 15 Degree Celsius.

Crowds are thinned by the end of the season due to scorching summer heat. But till then, the trails are quite busy with trekkers visiting the region and enjoying Nar Phu’s breathtaking view. They can watch the changing of the tree leaves in fall, which is incredible. The sunrise view over Himalayan mountain ranges is nothing less than magical.

Difficulties of Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake Trek

1. Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is the major threat trekkers face at Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake Trek as they climb higher. Sudden exposure to low oxygen levels can cause loss of consciousness, insomnia, and nausea. At its worst, it can weaken you and destroy your willpower and fitness.

Therefore, you have to be well-prepared before the trek. Acclimatization is essential to adapt to the severe condition of the Annapurna Circuit. Climb slowly and don’t gain elevation at a faster pace.

2. Weather

Weather is often unpredictable in the Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake Trek. Every time you go high, the weather becomes harsher and rougher. Its winters are unbearably cold and summer pretty warm, making the trek difficult. You may witness varied weather from breezy nights to cold mornings and some super hot summer days.

In winter, you are required to climb the glaciers to reach the circuit. So, doing a little research before the trek would be great. You must be pre-informed about the weather, temperature, and humidity of Nar Phu Valley during the trek.

3. Dehydration

Dehydration among trekkers frequently occurs on the trail of Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake Trek. Trekking continuously without giving the body proper rest results in fatigue and weakness. They sneak in quietly without you realizing and then, not long after, leave you frail with a dry mouth.

Therefore, stay hydrated and drink as much water as you can. Eat as often as possible, even if you don’t feel like it. Also, carry a few snacks and chocolate bars to regain the energy to walk the trail.

4. Poor Preparation

Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake Trek may have a moderate trekking route, but the continuous ups and downs can wear you out. Its steep trails can be challenging and intense, so you have to be fit and strong.

Build basic skills like stair climbing, walking, and running to climb the rough terrains of Nar Phu. You must also improve your stamina and stay fit by doing routine exercises and fitness training.