About Nar Phu Valley Trek with Tilicho Lake

The Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake takes 22 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu and goes through some of the best trekking trails in Nepal! Take a journey to a newly discovered are and visit the historic Himalayan villages of Phu and Nar. Furthermore, a visit to Tilicho Lake (5,200m/17,060ft) and the crossing of two high altitude passes included the highest in Nepal only increase the adventure effect of this trek. Beyond The Limits has created the best itinerary for the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake and is sure to guide you there!

Excited to start your Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake? Beyond the Limits awaits you at the airport to start of your trek in Nepal! After a short meet & greet we drop you at the hotel and go over tomorrow’s plan. While we get your Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake permits ready we send you of on a cultural journey throughout Kathmandu and go guided sightseeing at; the Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath, the Buddhist Stupa of Boudhanath, and Kathmandu’s Durbar or Palace Square. In the afternoon we meet back up at the hotel and hold a detailed trek briefing to get you ready for the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake! The trek has two parts. First is the Nar Phu Valley trek part which takes you on a similar route as the more popular Annapurna Circuit trek. Only the Nar Phu Valley trek diverts from the traditional trail and head further up north to the recently discovered villages of Phu and Nar. The second part of the trek goes back on the Annapurna Circuit trekking trail but with a short diversion to visit Tilicho Lake. After making sure that you are all set for the trek, we plan to depart in the morning after breakfast to the Annapurna Himalayas!

The Nar Phu Valley Trek with Tilicho Lake part 1:

In the morning after your breakfast and hotel check out, we pick you up and head for the bus station to drive to Besishahar. While the ride is long, the views are incredible! Besishahar is a station village, serving also as an exit point for the Manaslu Circuit trek, and as an entry point for the Annapurna Circuit trek. After our first night out of Kathmandu we hold a final gear check and prepare to start the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake! Our first destination is the village of Koto. The trail leads mostly up and down through forests. The main highlight of your first trekking day in Nepal will be the valley views below and Mt Manaslu (8,163m/26,781ft) to the east.

From Koto we head to Meta village gradually ascending. Phu village, our first highlighted village during the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake is just a day trekking away. To reach at Phu we pass by Kyang village where Beyond The Limits’ expert guide gives you a tour of the ancient Khampa fort ruins. Phu is just a magical place. Completely secluded from the world and deep in the Himalayas, this bon Buddhist village is truly a marvel. The villages houses the Tashi Lakhang Monastery believed to be build 300 years ago! We’ll spend an extra day in Phu exploring and visiting the monastery as well. Mt Himlung Himal (7,126m/23,379ft) especially comes in great view from Phu. In order to prevent acute mountain sickness we’ll spend an extra day hiking to Mt Himlung Himal Base Camp (4,920m/16,142ft). Beyond The Limits takes no risks in terms of guest safety during any trek in Nepal. And with this hike up to Himlung Base Camp you’ll be able to properly acclimatize for further elevations during the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake.

Heading on with the first part of the trek, we go to Nar village. The trail leads downhill towards Mahendra Phul where we cross the 80m/263ft high suspension bridge! As we reach closer to Nar, you’ll notice a number of stupas along the way marking a path towards the village. Nar is our second and last highlighted village of the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake’s first part. We spend an extra day here enjoying the views of Pisang Peak and visiting the nearby monasteries. The next day we make our way towards Manang, the biggest village in the entire upper Annapurna region. But to get there we have to cross the first of the two passes, the Kang La (5,306m/17,408ft)! It’s important that we leave early today and start ascending the pass. The climb is steep, but the sights are spectacular from on top the pass. A great part of the Annapurna Himalayan Range comes in view, and you’ll get a great sense of achievement. Crossing the pass takes us to Ngawal villag, and another of day of trekking takes us to Manang.

The Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake part 2:

We reached the second part of the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake! At Manang we spend an extra day for sightseeing and resting. Braga one of the oldest villages in the region, just below Manang has an ancient monastery worth visiting. We’ll also hold a hike up to the Chhunker Viewpoint from where incredible views of Tilicho Peak, and the Annapurna Range can be seen. Furthermore, we can visit the Milarepa Cave Gompa, which is just a short hike away!

To continue on with the trek we hop on the Annapurna Circuit trail and make our way towards Tilicho Lake (5,200m/17,060ft), another major highlight of the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake. To get there we first have to trek to Khangsar village, and another day of trekking to reach Tilicho Base Camp (4,200m/13,780ft). There are two paths leading to Base Camp. One older and one newer. The newer path has a better trail with better views, so will take that one to reach our destination. From here we are able to reach the lake. It’s a tough ascend but worth it! The Lake is just magical. Perfectly mirroring the surrounding snow- capped Himalayas, and the water’s surface glistering in the morning sun. You have made it, Tilicho Lake! After spending some time at the lake taking in the views, we head on with Beyond The Limits’ Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake. We head for the highest mountain pass in Nepal, the Thorong La (5,416m/17,769ft)! We pass by Yak Kharka village, a popular yak herd spot, and continue on towards Thoring Phedi, also known as High Camp. It’ll take two days to reach at High Camp, our last stop before crossing the Thorong La Pass.

This is it! The last part of the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake! Getting an early start today is important. So after an early breakfast we depart High Camp and start to ascend the Thorong La. Ascending up the pass, you’ll be able to see some amazing views of the surrounding Himalayas! At the top of the pass we take a short brake at the prayer flags and take in the scenery. We begin descending towards Muktinath. At the bottom of the pass there a few teahouses available and a trail gradually descending towards the Muktinath Temple and village. The Temple of Muktinath is a world renowned pilgrimage site for Hindus as well as Buddhists. Fitted with 2 small pools and 108 water sprouts, according to legend, if you take a dip at Muktinath your karma will become positive and any bad karma will be washed away! You are welcome to try it out, if you can handle the ice cold but refreshing water. We are at the last part of the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake and leave Muktinath the next day and trek to Jomsom. Making our way towards the Kali Gandaki River via Eklebaati we reach at Kagbeni. A famous town for its apple orchards and serving as an entry point to the Upper Mustang trek and the Mustang region in Nepal. We spend some time exploring around checking out market and monastery before continue on along the River to Jomsom.

Jomsom has its own airport and jeep station. We’ll be taking a morning flight back to Pokhara and say goodbye to the Annapurna Himalayas as you have successfully completed the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake! Back at Pokhara, Beyond The Limits is more than happy to extend your package with a few additional days to enjoy the activities here. Paragliding, rafting, bungee jumping and sightseeing are just a few of the activities in Pokhara. Following your choice we drive back to Kathmandu the next day. At the evening Beyond the Limits invites you to a special farewell and thank you dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with a pleasant cultural show.

Book today one of the most rewarding treks in Nepal, the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake and see the best of the Himalayas with Beyond The Limits!

Nar Phu Valley Trek FAQ’s:

1) How hard is the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake?

▪ The Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake is considered one of the harder treks in Nepal. The trek has long trekking days with many ascends and descends. Novice trekkers have successfully completed the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake but it’s recommended to prepare yourself mentally and physically!

2) Is the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake safe?

▪ Yes, the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake is safe. The trails can go a bit of the beaten path but are well maintained. The only risk is getting acute mountain sickness or AMS, but thanks to Beyond The Limits itinerary we hold many acclimatization days to prevent this!

3) How is the accommodation during the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake?

▪ The accommodation during the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake is what you can expect from Himalayan lodges and tea houses. Rooms are cozy fitted with two or three beds. Bathrooms are public, and the common room serves as a mess hall as well as a gathering room. Wi-Fi can be purchased as well as charging and hot water.

4) What type of permits do I need for the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake?

▪ Beyond The Limits includes all permits required for the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake in one package. But for your information you’ll need an ACAP or Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and a Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit. Both can be obtained in Kathmandu.

5) Can I combine any other treks with the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake?

▪ Yes, you can combine the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake with a number of other treks. You can start with the Manaslu Circuit trek, or end with the Upper Mustang or even Annapurna Base Camp trek. Do note that since the Nar Phu Valley trek with Tilicho Lake already has many trekking days combining it with another trek is not recommended for novice trekkers!