19 Days Challenging

Nar-Phu & Annapurna Tilicho - 16 day

Nar-Phu & Annapurna Tilicho - 16 day

Difficulty
Challenging
Max Elevation
5,416m/17,770ft
Duration
19
Best Time
Besishahar Pokhara
Accommodation
Tea Houses
Group Size
2-10 Pax

The high route of Annapurna combines the remote Nar-Phu Valley with the classic Annapurna and Mustang regions, offering one of Nepal’s most authentic high-Himalayan experiences. The Nar-Phu Valley, shaped by Tibetan culture, features ancient stone villages, monasteries, chortens, and traditional pastoral life, giving a rare glimpse of centuries-old mountain life. Local legend says guardian spirits protect the valley, and villagers still perform rituals to honour them. Recently opened to visitors, it offers a unique Himalayan experience. The journey continues through dramatic alpine landscapes, crossing Kang La Pass (5,313 m) with sweeping views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and surrounding peaks before reaching Manang.

The trek then joins the classic Annapurna with Tilicho Lake Trek, ascending to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m)-one of the world’s highest lakes - whose waters, said to be created by the goddess Tilicho, are considered sacred. The route crosses Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) with panoramic views of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu, before descending into the Kali Gandaki Valley, home to the world’s deepest gorge and fossil-rich cliffs. At the sacred Muktinath site, pilgrims worship at temples, an eternal flame, and 108 holy water spouts, believed to have burned for hundreds of years.

The trek then entered in the arid Mustang region, known for its desert-like landscapes and Tibetan-influenced culture. Traditional villages such as Lupra (Bon village) reveal ancient spiritual practices, rituals, and resilient mountain lifestyles. Legends speak of hidden caves where monks meditated for decades, and local festivals still celebrate these mystical traditions. The journey concludes at Mohare Danda, where the first rays of sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri leave trekkers with a profound sense of awe and lasting memories of the Himalaya’s timeless beauty.

Trip Highlight

  • Nar-Phu Valley - Hidden Tibetan villages and ancient mountain life.
  • Kang La Pass (5,313 m) - Dramatic high-altitude views of Annapurna,Gangapurna many more.
  • Tilicho Lake (4,919 m) - One of the world’s highest lakes with stunning alpine scenery.
  • Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) - Lofty Himalayan crossing with panoramic peak views.
  • Mustang and Mohare Danda - Tibetan culture, Bon villages, and a golden sunrise finale.
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Itinerary

  • D1

    Arrive Kathmandu (1350m). Transfer to the hotel

    Your memorable holiday begins in Kathmandu. After arrival, you will have time to freshen up before meeting your guide for an afternoon briefing. This is the perfect moment to organize your trekking gear and prepare your bags for the journey ahead.

    Accommodation: Hotel. Meals included: morning
    Transport : 20 M drive hotel

    Max Altitude
    1350
  • D2

    Kathmandu - Besi Sahar (760 m) - Dharapani (1860 m)

    Early morning departure to Besisahar along the main highway between Nepal and India. Passing through villages, we change jeeps at Besisahar. Beyond this point, the road becomes a stony track, bumpy but lined with rice fields and traditional villages. Occasional landslides may cause delays or vehicle changes, so it’s best to follow the Nepalese example and stay cheerful. We finally arrive at Dharapani and settle into the lodge

    Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
    Transport : 6 hours drive (Besi Sahar). 3 hours jeep (Dharapani)

  • D3

    Dharapani - Kotho (2,650 m)

    After breakfast, we climb to Timang through the Danaquev, at the end of the Marsyangdi Gorge. The trail then becomes gentler, passing from pine forests to drier hills. Kotho, is just before Chame - the largest settlement beyond Besisahar and the district headquarters of Manang

    Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
    Elevation gain: 750 m. Elevation loss: 340 m. 5 hours walking.

  • D4

    Kotho- Meta (3560 m)

    Koto is the gateway to the restricted area of the Nar-Phu Valley. From here, the trail leaves the Marsyangdi Valley and follows the Nar Khola. In this narrow section, the gorge forces the trail to cross the river several times. By the end of the day, after a small climb of around 250?m, you reach Meta, a windswept plateau offering expansive views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal, following a day of trekking through pristine forests and rugged gorges.”

    Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
    Elevation gain: 1200 m. Elevation loss: 200 m. 5/7hours walking.

  • D5

    Meta - Kyang (3,840 m)

    Today, the trail takes us deeper into the remote Nar-Phu Valley. From Meta, we follow a rugged path along a high ridge above the Phu Khola, with dramatic views of deep gorges and jagged cliffs. After crossing several suspension bridges, we pass Junam Goth, a seasonal yak pasture with simple stone shelters, and continue through barren, high-altitude terrain. The trail then leads to Chyakhu, a former Khampa settlement set in wide-open landscapes. A gradual climb from here brings us to Kyang, an isolated plateau with scattered ruins and magnificent mountain views, offering a true sense of wilderness and solitude.

    Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
    Elevation gain: 450 m. Elevation loss: 145 m. 4/5 hours walking.

  • D6

    Kyang - Phu (4100 m)

    Today is a scenic and relatively short walk. The trail follows the Phu Khola, winding through a wide, arid valley framed by dramatic cliffs and barren hills. Along the way, you pass ancient chortens, mani walls, and the ruins of old settlements. As you approach Phu, the valley opens up to reveal this medieval Tibetan village, perched on a ridge with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The entrance is marked by a line of impressive stone chortens, welcoming you into the culturally rich and isolated village.

    Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
    Elevation gain: 400 m. Elevation loss: 200 m. 3/4 hours walking.

  • D7

    Phu -Mahendra Pul (3840 m) (Sartek Thrangu Gomba)

    Today, we retrace much of the previous route, revisiting key sections of the trail through the Nar-Phu Valley while taking in the surrounding scenery from a new perspective.

    Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
    Elevation gain: 200 m. Elevation loss: 700 m. 3/5 hours walking.

  • D8

    Mahendra Pul - Tibetan village of Naar (4200 m)

    Today, we ascend through a dry, rugged valley adorned with mani walls and chortens, reflecting the region’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. The trail gradually climbs, offering occasional views of distant peaks and the surrounding valleys, before reaching the traditional Tibetan village of Naar. As the largest settlement in the Nar-Phu area, Naar is celebrated for its ancient monasteries, stone houses, and narrow alleys, all set against a backdrop of dramatic mountain scenery. The village provides a remarkable insight into local life, where centuries-old traditions continue to thrive amidst the high-altitude landscape, making it a memorable highlight of the trek.

    Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
    Elevation gain: 600 m. Elevation loss: 00 m. 4 hours walking.

  • D9

    Naar - Kang La Pass (5313 m) - Ngawal (3660 m)

    Early this morning, the day begins with a challenging yet initially gentle climb towards Kang La Pass. After a couple of hours, the trail becomes steeper and rocky, passing moraines and glacial streams, with sweeping views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. After crossing the pass, the descent to Ngawal is steep but scenic panorama. This route offers spectacular mountain views and a highly rewarding high-altitude trekking experience.

    Accommodation: Lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
    Elevation gain: 1250 m. Elevation loss: 1600 m. 8 hours of walking.

  • D10

    Ngawal - Braga Monastery - Manang (3542 m)

    After breakfast, we follow a scenic, gently descending trail from Ngawal, winding through open alpine terrain with scattered juniper trees, mani walls, and sweeping views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna. After about 1.5 hours, we reach the historic village of Braga, where a 600-year-old monastery perched on a cliff is well worth a short visit for its spiritual atmosphere and outstanding views. From Braga, the trail becomes easy and mostly flat, following the Marsyangdi River until we arrive at Manang, a lively village and important acclimatisation stop on the Annapurna Circuit.

     Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
     Elevation gain: 140 m. Elevation loss: 273 m. 4 hours walking
  • D11

    Manang - Tilicho Base Camp (4150 m)

    After breakfast, the day begins with a trek through remote, high-altitude terrain. The trail gradually ascends to Khangsar, a small stone-built village, before continuing to Siri Kharka, where trekkers are treated to scenic views of Tilicho Peak. From there, the path becomes more demanding, crossing narrow, landslide-prone sections, before descending slightly to Tilicho Base Camp, where trekkers rest prior to the hike to Tilicho Lake.

    Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
    Elevation gain: 860 m. Elevation loss: 266 m. 6/7 hours walking.


  • D12

    Tilicho BC - Tilicho lake (4920 m) - Shree Kharka (4080 m)

    Today, we leave Manang within 1 hour, we explore the beautiful village (Khangsar) an unusual village with its unique houses and culture. Expansive views of snow-capped peaks and Today is the final stage to reach Tilicho Lake. After a gentle climb, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the lake at 4,930?metres. The only sounds are the occasional avalanches from Tilicho Peak or ice breaking into the lake, adding to the wild beauty of the surroundings. If the lakeside tea stall is open, it is the perfect place to enjoy a hot drink while taking in the scenery. After spending time at Tilicho Lake, we retrace our steps along the trail back to Shree Kharka.

    Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
    Elevation gain: 860 m. Elevation loss: 266 m. 6/7 hours walking.

  • D13

    Shree Kharka - Drive to Besisahar

    Today, we drive from Shree Kharka to Besisahar, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way. The journey typically takes 6-8 hours, depending on road conditions.

    Accommodation: lodge. Meals included: morning noon evening.
    Transport: Jeep. Durée: 6 - 8

  • D14

    Besisahar - Kathmandu

    Drive from Besisahar back to Kathmandu

    Accommodation: Hôtel. Meals included: morning noon 
    Transport: Jeep (6-7 hours)

  • D15

    Kathmandu - Souvenirs day | Sightseeing Day.

    If you choose sightseeing, this full-day cultural tour offers a well-rounded experience of Kathmandu’s history, spirituality, and art, guided by a certified expert who will enrich your understanding of the city’s unique heritage.

    Suggested itinerary (maximum three sites per day):

    - Swayambunath
    - Bhaktapur
    - Boudhanath
    - Patan Durbar Square
    - Kathmandu Durbar Square

     The price includes a certified cultural guide, a reserved vehicle, and a professional driver for the day.

    Pricing per person:

      2 - 3 People: €70
      4 - 6 People: €50
      7 - 10 People: €35
      11 - 15 + People: €30  
  • D16

    Final Departure / Back to Native Land

    According to your flight schedule, we will drive you to the airport for your onward journey.

Information

    • What's included
    • What's not included
    • Personal Expenses & Currency
    • Tips & Gratitude
    • Best Time & Best Weather
    • Best Treks, Food & Accommodation
    • Altitude Sickness, Risks & Prevention
    • Know About Nepal
    • Emergency Contacts & Safety
    • Electronics & Communication
    • Navigation & Safety Gear
    • First Aid Kit & Medication
    • Optional But Useful Gear
    • Trekking gear & equipment
    • Trail-specific footwear
    • Trekking Essentials
    • “We know the mountains well. We also know when to say no - for your sake.”

Group Departures

  • All Years
  • 2026
  • 2027
  • All Months
  • March
  • April
  • October
  • November
Dates
Status
11th October, 2026 - 29th October, 2026
Limited
18th October, 2026 - 5th November, 2026
Limited
6th March, 2027 - 24th March, 2027
Limited
25th March, 2027 - 12th April, 2027
Limited
10th April, 2027 - 28th April, 2027
Limited
17th April, 2027 - 5th May, 2027
Limited
13th October, 2027 - 31st October, 2027
Limited
30th October, 2027 - 17th November, 2027
Limited
12th November, 2027 - 30th November, 2027
Limited

FAQs

1Sleeping Gear ?
 Sleeping bag (rated -10°C to -20°C for high-altitude treks)  Sleeping bag liner (for extra warmth & hygiene)
2How difficult is this trek?
Strenuous to very difficult. High altitude passes (up to ~5,200 m), rugged terrain, and long daily walks require good fitness and trekking experience.
3Best time to trek?
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) for good weather and views.
4Is it suitable for beginners?
No, this trek requires experience with high altitude and challenging conditions.
5Is a guide or porter recommended?
Yes, especially for the Nar and Phu sections and high passes.
6What is an average daily trekking time?
The average walking hours is around 5 to 8 hours per day, depending on route and weather.
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Mingmar S. Sherpa
Mingmar S. Sherpa
Managing Director
Lhakpa Sherpa
Lhakpa Sherpa
Co Director & Guide
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