- Destination:Nepal
- Total Duration:22 Days
- Trekking Duration:22 Days
- Trip Grade:Moderate
Trip Overview
At 4919m, Tilicho Lake is the highest of the best off the beaten trekking route in Nepal that will take you to the world’s highest Lake situated well at the lap in the trans Himalayan zone, one of the highest passes the Thorung La pass at 5,416m and discover the hidden valley of Naar Phu & Tilicho Lake Trek in Nepal.
Naar Phu & Tilicho Lake Trek is one the recently opened trail in Annapurna region. It has great potential of attracting thousands of visitors every year with its unique but the best off the beaten track trek. Hidden away from civilization, Naar Phu valley is the final destination of this trekking, tucked away from the crowd of the world classic Annapurna circuit route. The regular trail of Annapurna circuit is dissected by the scenic village Koto.
Best suited for those wanting for the adventure like no other and bringing close to the nature, the trek to Naar Phu is pure romance in itself – quiet, peaceful and tranquil. The visitors are also blessed with rare sighting of the exotic wildlife such as snow leopard, Himalayan thar, musk deer etc. The trail is filled with perfect existence of human civilization within natural drop-back without disturbing the essence of its beauty. The trail has mesmerizing view of majestic mountains in the high lands, Bhote communities, beautiful medieval and ancient remote villages, amazing rock formations, glaciers, several passes, narrow canyons, lovely forests, old Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, unique Himalayan and Tibetan culture, real local life styles settlements in high altitude.
Naar Phu and Tilicho Lake trek is suitable for those seeking for the extreme adventure lovers taking them to the exotic valley lying in the remote corner of the Annapurna region through one of the treacherous high pass and to the perfect haven at Tilicho Lake. Quite distant from crowd despite being in the most popular trekking region, this trek is perfect adventure for trekkers looking for exploring the untouched areas of Annapurna region.
Your trip to starts from Besisahar, you will reach after a long bus ride. From there we take a jeep to Syanga and trek to Jagat. We first enter Dharapani before reaching the Manang district. From there we trek to Koto 2,670m along the mule track crossing the fir forest. From there we could have the spectacular view of the mountains range. We trek through dense forest crossing Narphu valley to reach Dharmasala. The next day we trek around the white rocks, to reach Kayang 3560m. and after that we descend to enter the Phu village. On the way we can have the best view of Chortens with great canyons and gorges. The next day we trek back to Phu gate, Chyarkha and Jhunam to finally reach to Nar village. Enjoy your time with breath taking scenery. In Kangla Phedi the next day, we can have the exotic view of the Pisang peak. Then trek to Ngwal village from where you can enjoy the views of Pisang, Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, alongside. From there we trek towards the Manang then the following day we trek to reach Tilicho base camp. Soon after reaching Tilicho Lake, we cross the Tilicho pass to reach Yak Kharka and reach at Jomsom for the flight to Pokhara and finally we return back to Kathmandu for final departure.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar 6 hours.
- Day 03: Trek from Beshishahar to Bahundanda (1305m.) takes about six hours.
- Day 04: Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje (1410m.) takes about six hours.
- Day 05: Trek from Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani (1960m.) takes about six hours.
- Day 06: Trek from Dharapani to Koto takes about five hours.
- Day 07: Trek from Koto to Dharmasala takes about six hours.
- Day 08: Trek from Dharmasala to Kayang takes about six and half hours.
- Day 09: Trek from Kayang to Phu village.
- Day 10: Excursion around Phu valley.
- Day 11: Trek from Phu valley to Junam.
- Day 12: Trek from Junam to Nar.
- Day 13: Explore Nar village. Nar is bit more social and lively than Phu.
- Day 14: Trek from Nar village to Ngwal after crossing Kang La pass.
- Day 15:Trek from Ngwal to Manang takes about three hours.
- Day 16: Trek from Manang to Khangsar takes approximately five hours.
- Day 17: Trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Lake takes about six hours.
- Day 18: Trek from Tilicho Lake to Mesokanto Pass (5315m.) takes about seven hours.
- Day 19: Trek from Mesokanto Pass to Jomsom (2741 m.) via Thimi (2760 m.) which takes about six hours.
- Day 20: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara takes about 35 minutes.
- Day 21: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by bus that takes about six hours.
- Day 22: Final Departure
Detail Itinerary
Welcome to the land of Mountains. After landing at the Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transfer to your respective hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu
You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marshyangdi River to Beshisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung district. Stay overnight at lodge.
The first part of the trail passes on a flat level along the bank of the Marshyangdi river. You can enjoy the sceneries and the local culture of Gurung community. After lunch the trail goes steeply up to Bahundanda and takes about 2 hours. From this point you are surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the snowcapped mountains. Stay overnight at lodge.
A steep trail descends for early half an hour and then follows a flat path through rice terraces before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Lali Gaon. Ahead the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape and you follow the winding mountain path down through Syange (1100m.) where there is a beautiful waterfall above and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. The trail then begins to observe small ups and downs to Chamje through the forests. Stay overnight at lodge.
The first part of the trail descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley. You continue on an undulating path above the river. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, you see the level, plain of Tal (1700m.) before you. You descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Here you can enjoy the exhilarating waterfalls. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte (1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. You cross a suspension bridge and climb the short distance to the stone Mani marking the entrance to Dharapani (1960m.), and your camp for the night. Stay overnight at lodge.
You trek a gradually ascending path and cross a stream to reach Koto. The mountain views you can enjoy are of Annapurna II, Manaslu range and beautiful views of forests on the way add another dimension to your trek. Koto is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung and others whose lifestyles are mainly influenced by Buddhist Tibetans. Stay overnight in camp.
You cross the river leading to the Nar Phu valley and hike up through beautiful woods above the Phu Khola. The route takes you through some beautiful woods and past several small caves, and a pilgrims’ Dharmasala. After you emerge out of a narrow canyon, the trail actually passes under a wide waterfall just before Dharmasala, from where the woods become thinner and the vistas wider. Stay overnight in camp.
A steep climb up the valley along a small, scenic river brings you finally to high pastures on a 3,200m plateau. You pass by scenic kharka of Meta, 3560m, a non permanent winter settlement of Nar, where you are likely to share the trail with a few yaks! This morning is one of the loveliest walks in the Himalayas. Stay overnight in camp.
Dropping steeply down to the river, you trek for a while along the river bank and past the “submarine” rock, passing some small possible campsites along the way. You start to see some of the unique, colorful chortens for which Nar and Phu are famous. You have to walk carefully across a small glacial stream before reaching a larger one with a bridge only half covered with large slabs of slate. Another hour and a half of trekking through scenic canyon and gorges, you reach the Phu gate. This ancient gate provides you with you first view of the three villages of Phu, as well as an old “dzong” and the remains of the two forts, all now in ruins, but impressively situated atop the flatlands before Phu. Stay overnight in camp.
You can have interaction with locals and explore the wide valley systems above you. You might walk up the valley to the summer grazing settlement or Kharka at Ngoru, a three hour’s walk past the gompa. Phu itself is an incredibly interesting village and you can observe the villagers spinning their yak and sheep wool and chat. Stay overnight in camp.
You get back through Phu gate, descend to the river and retrace your steps back to Junam Kharka, which is a lovely spot for camping. Stay overnight in camp.
This day you trek down the old bridge spanning a deep, contoured and narrow gorge and all the way back up again. The scenery is stunning. Below you sits Gyalbu Kumbu, built in 1650, and Satte Gompa, both empty. You finally reach the Nar gates at the top of the hill, and pass by yet another line of wonderfully painted, bamboo topped chortens before turning the corner and being rewarded with sublime views of Nar, the undulating patterns of the surrounding barley and mustard fields, four old colorful and traditional Gompas and the snow peaks looming overhead. Stay overnight in camp.
Explore Nar village. Nar is bit more social and lively than Phu. Stay overnight in camp.
The Kang La is not a difficult pass, but it could be a long day if there is snow. The Kang La, at 5240m, is an absolutely spectacular pass looking over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, the peaks surrounding Tilicho and the airport at Hongde. The trail down is steep and then gradually down towards the end. Ngawal, on the upper Pisang route of the Annapurna circuit (off the main Annapurna circuit), can be reached in as little as two hours from the pass, but the walk down is so nice that you will take it easy and enjoy the views. Just before Ngawal is an unusual grouping of chortens and prayer flags, and marks a meditation cave far up in the hills. Ngawal is a wonderful, old village of cobbled streets, prayer wheels and beautiful architecture, obviously a hub of religious activity in previous times. Stay overnight in camp.
This day you walk on a leveled path along the bank of the Marshyangdi river to reach Manang. On the way you pass pine forests, villages such as Braga and farming terraces. You can enjoy the views of Annapurna range, Tilicho Mountain and beautiful landscapes. Manang is a small town. Stay overnight in lodge.
The path is a gradual descent and you cross a suspension bridge over Jharsing Khola (stream). You trek on dry land though you can see shrubs on the both sides. The panoramic views of Annapurna range completely mesmerize you. Khangsar is a Gurung village where you find a small monastery, chorten, Mani walls and prayer flags. Stay overnight in camp.
The path is covered by small crystals and shrubs can be seen on both sides. From here you can also enjoy the closer and panoramic views of Tilicho Mountain and many others. Stay overnight in camp.
The trail is quite narrow and you trek over an icy path. The panoramic views of Annapurna range, Tilicho, Dhaulagiri along with more than ten mountains completely mesmerize you. Stay overnight in camp.
From Mesokanto Pass, the trail goes steeply down through pine forests to Jomsom. Before you reach Jomsom, you cross Thimi inhabited by mostly Buddhists. Stay overnight at lodge.
The flights are available during the morning time. A strong breeze blows during and after and frequent changes of the weather prevent flights from taking off and landing in the afternoon. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach Manakamana Temple. En route, you can enjoy mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to Kathmandu.
Our friendly representative will drop you off at Tribhuwan International airport 3 hours before the scheduled flight. We are sure that you will be inspired to visit Nepal again after this trek. We hope that you choose us to plan your next trip to Nepal.
" Dolma Treks covered all aspects of my dream trip: hotels, logistics, food, permits.
Tsering Lama is a very seasoned trip organizer and guide that knows the way things work locally, which means a hassle-free, pure joy adventure. I have traveled to Nepal 5 times so far, always with Dolma Treks. Have done a bit of everything: culture, trekking, yoga retreat, educational visits, rescue visits (Earthquake 2015). I have been solo, with friends, and even with my young son since he was 7. Everything was perfect, every single time.
I loved every second of my trips to Nepal and I simply can't wait to be back"
I would just like to say that our trekking holiday in Langtang National Park & our Bridim homestay with Tsering Lama and his wonderful porters "Lale and Mingmar" was the most memorable, amazing holiday I have ever experienced. The guidance and support given were just so great. My wish is that my Aussie friends join a trek with Dolma Tours one day to experience this amazing country of Nepal. Thank you, Tsering. Your Aussie friends, Tania, Steve & Jesse Pitt
I recently went on Tsering's 17-day tour of Nepal, in Oct/Nov 2013.
Tsering is an exceptional tour leader, very organized and a welcoming host.
He paid much attention to detail both in the planning of the itinerary and throughout the course of the trip. Right from the beginning, the pre-departure information was excellent and I felt very well-prepared. Any questions I had about the trekking were answered promptly by email.
Tsering's itinerary has a lovely variety of places to visit: in Kathmandu, trekking in the Annapurna mountains, visiting the Chitwan National Park, and a stunning flight over Mount Everest. On our trek, the porters were very helpful, friendly and spoke a little English.
Tsering was always professional and timely. We were also given great insight into the generosity of the Nepali people by being invited into his family home.
Heartfelt thanks again from me for a wonderful trip!
We joined one of Tsering's trips to Annapurna and Chitwan in October 2013, where Tsering warmly welcomed us at the airport and confidently and efficiently organized everything for us from the moment we arrived until our departure 17 days later, making the entire trip extremely relaxing and enjoyable.
His guidance with local customs and his ability to communicate clearly in English was invaluable in ensuring we were completely informed at all times of our programme. His command of local languages meant we were afforded the best treatment at the local hotels, lodges, and restaurants throughout our trip.
The trip was a wonderful balanced mix of the frantic bustle of Kathmandu, the grandeur of the Annapurna mountains, and the thrill of the Chitwan jungle, all complemented by a style of travel that exposes you to, and allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture to the extent you are personally willing and comfortable with.
The local guides Tsering organized were very competent and knowledgeable, giving us a great opportunity to absorb, understand and appreciate the breadth and depth of Nepal's history and the many cultures that make up its friendly people. Tsering gave us a marvelous insight into the recent history and of current events that gave us a wonderful context and appreciation of what makes the nation of Nepal what it is today and influences its future.
For the trek, Tsering organized a friendly team of local porters and guides who worked so hard carrying our gear over the often steep terrain of the mountains. Special mention goes to our lead guide Lale, who ensured the trek was perfectly paced to match the abilities of our relatively senior group. The guides and porters always had a friendly and smiling disposition, and we had a marvelous party with them on our last night, sharing cultural song and dance.
Tsering is generous of both time and nature, we were privileged to meet his family, and we particularly enjoyed the company of his enchanting 11yo son Jigme on our trip, and of his young friend Amod.
I would unreservedly recommend Tsering as a guide to anyone travelling to Nepal who is wanting to get to know this intriguing and beautiful country and its friendly people, and who enjoys knowing everything is confidently organized for you in a relaxed and efficient manner by a knowledgeable local who is a marvelous ambassador for his people and his country.
Thank you, Tsering, I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to visit Nepal again someday and enjoy your friendly and proficient service.
Tsering and his trekking company were brought to my attention by my daughter who had trekked with friends in Nepal. That trip was led by Tsering who was already known to one of the group. This group so recommended Tsering, that my wife and I decided upon a trekking tour under his guidance.
We were not any stage disappointed. Tsering contacted us and after considering age, fitness and wishes, designed what he thought was an appropriate tour. He emailed a comprehensive programme with some beautiful pictures and suggested dates. We arranged the flights to and from Kathmandu and brought in a couple of friends.
From our arrival until our departure, every detail was arranged. All accommodation, transport guides, porters, and dining was minutely cared for leaving us the freedom to simply enjoy ourselves. The team he engaged were known to him and endlessly strived to assist. Friendliness and honesty were so obvious.
Westerners are usually apprehensive about local cooking and food hygiene. Tsering always stationed one of the porters in the kitchens of the tea houses to oversee the cleanliness of food preparation. Some of his team are also chefs. It is a matter of pride for him that virtually all his tourists complete their trips without gastric upset.
Tsering is very kind, caring and attentive to detail. He is great fun, has a keen political insight as well as concern for the education of his young countrymen. He is honest and generous to a fault - as are his lovely family whom we met. We also enjoyed their hospitality.
If we return to Nepal there is absolutely no doubt we would ask Tsering to undertake our planning and if possible accompany us. He was faultless and thus I have no hesitation in recommending his company to your favorable attention.