Nar Phu village and Tilicho lake Trek

5.00 (3 reviews)

Tour Duration:

25 Days

Country:

Nepal

Activity:

Trekking

Region:

Annapurna

Grade:

Moderate to Strenuous

Nar and Phu are two remote villages in the northeast corner of Manang, Nepal, located at 3,820 meters and surrounded by the Peri Himalaya, Gangla and Gangru Himal, and Damodar Himal. Historically secluded, the villages were only accessible to foreigners with special permits after 1985, following a period of Khampa occupation from the 1960s to 1975. The local dialect differs from Manang and Tibetan, and most houses are two-story structures with entrances on the upper floor. Phu lies at the upper end of the valley, and locals traditionally migrate to warmer regions during winter. While Nar maintains close ties with Manang, their trade is limited to nearby areas, and local lamas hold significant influence among Gurungs of Lamjung. The valley’s isolation preserved traditional culture but limited development, with administrative oversight historically dominated by Manang and, later, Lamjung.

Access to Nar Phu is also possible via high passes from Mustang, such as Thorila (5,529 m) and Saribung La, routes often used by climbers. Trekkers commonly cross Kang La (5,306 m) to reach Manang via Humde and Braga. The region offers trekking highlights like Tilicho Lake (4,920 m) and climbing peaks including Chulu West, Chulu East, Chulu Central, and Pisang Peak (6,091 m), which serves as a training peak for the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The area remains a unique destination for adventure travelers seeking high-altitude scenery, traditional villages, and challenging trekking routes.

  • Two Hidden Gems in the Annapurna Region.
  • Muktinath a holy pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus.
  • Cross Thorong La, one of the highest passes in the world (5416 m).
  • Savour uninterrupted views of Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.

Itinerary

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Our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Today begins with issuing your restricted area permit and final trek preparations, followed by a short evening briefing. The day also includes a full city tour of Kathmandu’s cultural and spiritual highlights: Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), a 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupa perched on a hill with panoramic views of the valley; Pasupatinath, a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on the banks of the Bagmati River, known for its golden roof and ghats; and Boudhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal, shaped like a mandala and a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists, surrounded by monasteries offering meditation and insight into monastic life.

Dumre, located on the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway, is accessible by bus in about 5 hours. From Dumre, during the dry season, a 42 km stretch to Besisahar—the Lamjung District headquarters—can be traveled by jeep or land rover, offering scenic views of Lamjung Himal on the left and Himalchuli on the right, taking approximately 2 hours.

The trail gently climbs toward Khudi village along the Marsyangdi River, offering views of Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli (Peak 29) rising over 6,700m. Crossing Ngadi Khola bridge after 1.5 hours, the path ascends to Bahundanda ridge (1,310m) in about 2 hours, then descends toward the river to reach Syange after another 2.5 hours, totaling around 6 hours. Syange marks the northern limit of rice cultivation in the Marsyangdi Valley.

The trail from Tal follows the right side of the river with gentle ups and downs, clearly marked with red and white stripes, passing through numerous small villages along the way.

Today’s trek is a long but scenic day, crossing a river into the Nar Phu Valley. The trail follows the Phu Khola, passing through a canyon and a wide waterfall before reaching your campsite.

The trek goes through forested areas and reaches the Nar River, passing by caves and pilgrimage sites. The rocky trail offers stunning views of Lamjung Himal.

A steep climb along a small river leads to high pastures on a 3,200m plateau, passing the scenic Kharka of Meta (3,560m) with grazing yaks. The trail continues past Junam, a semi-permanent settlement, and Chako, a former Khampa village adorned with drying grass and fluttering prayer flags. Overnight stay is at camp in Kyang.

The trail descends to the river and follows the riverbank past the “submarine” rock and potential campsites. After carefully crossing a small glacial stream, you trek through scenic canyons and gorges, then climb steeply to the Phu Gate (Pupigyal Kwe). Camp is set on the lower reaches of Phu (formerly Gomdzong), and you visit Tashi Lhakhang Gompa on a nearby hillside to pay respects to Lama Karma Sonam.

We stay at Phu Gaon, a small and picturesque village, and take a rest day to enjoy sightseeing, including stunning mountain views and ancient monasteries.

The trail from Nawal village descends gradually, offering stunning views of the Manang Valley and Hungde Airport. Passing Munji and Braga, trekkers reach Manang, just 1.5 km ahead, where the Himalaya Rescue Association offers daily talks on mountain sickness at 3 pm.

The trail from Nawal village descends gradually along a dusty slope, offering stunning views of the Manang Valley and Hungde Airport. It then levels out with trees and bushes as you pass Munji and Braga, with Manang just 1.5 km ahead. Manang provides spectacular Annapurna mountain views, and the Himalaya Rescue Association offers daily talks on mountain sickness at 3 pm for trekkers.

Today’s trek follows a leveled path along the Marshyangdi River, passing pine forests, villages like Braga, and farming terraces, with stunning views of the Annapurna range and Tilicho Mountain, before reaching the small town of Manang.

Today is a rest day in Manang. You can explore Khangsur Village, century old monasteries, Kecho Lake or Milarepa Cave.

The trail gradually descends, crossing a suspension bridge over Jharsing Khola, with mesmerizing panoramic views of the Annapurna range, and leads to Khangsar, a Gurung village featuring a small monastery, chorten, mani walls, and fluttering prayer flags.

Today’s trek ascends along a trail dotted with small crystals and lined with shrubs, crossing a few streams along the way, until reaching Tilicho Lake at the highest altitude, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Tilicho Mountain and surrounding peaks, with an overnight stay at the camp by the lake.

Early in the morning we move towards Tilicho Lake. Tilicho is the one of the highest lake of the world.

Short day on these high altitude treks. Passing through Yak Kharka and Churi ledar. A side trip up the steam following down from the West Chulu peak can be done if time permits.

The trail turns northwest up the tributary valley of the Jargeng Khola. It is sometimes possible to see herds of blue mountain sheep along the cliffs. Cross a covered cantilevered bridge and ascend to Phedi.

Today, you wake up early at 4 am, have tea, coffee, and breakfast, and begin the 3–4 hour ascent to the pass, stopping at a small tea shop at the crossover point. Then you descend a steep and rugged path with stunning views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), finally reaching the sacred village of Muktinath Temple, which is bustling with pilgrims during auspicious times according to the Hindu and Buddhist calendar.

The trek continues with a 1,200 m descent to the Kaligandaki River valley floor, stopping briefly at Ekale Bhatti, a small settlement with 3–4 teahouses. In the afternoon, as the valley becomes windy, the gentle trail leads for another two hours until reaching the large town of Jomsom.

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara which takes about 25 minutes. Stay overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.

Free day in Pokhara. A day to relax or go for boating in the Phewa Lake.

Free day in Pokhara. A day to relax or go for boating in the Phewa Lake.

Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Free day.

Transfer to airport and fly home.

Cost Include

  • All meals and accommodation in Lodge, tent or home stay during the trek.
  • Arrival and departure transfers.
  • Nar Phu special trek permit ; Annapurna conservation fee

Cost Exclude

  • Emergency evacuation and medical-box
  • Alcoholic and bottled beverage, laundry, and tips
  • Any other services and expenses that are not specifically mentioned in the program.

FAQS

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Trekkers are provided with nutritious meals to support high-altitude hiking. Breakfast options include Tsampa porridge, pancakes, Tibetan bread or chapati, butter, cheese, honey, eggs, muesli, fruits, vegetables, and hot drinks. Lunch may include dal, bhat, tarkari, vegetable curry, soups, thukpa, pasta, steaks, potatoes, noodles, Sherpa stew, momo (dumplings), sandwiches, pizza, salads, snacks, and desserts. Dinner features dal, bhat, tarkari, vegetable curry, potatoes, papad, prawns, Korean ramen, pizza, soups, Sherpa stew, sandwiches, momo, pasta, desserts, salads, spaghetti, noodles, Tibetan bread, and steaks, ensuring variety and sufficient energy for trekkers.

Altitude sickness occurs when the body cannot adjust to lower oxygen levels and higher altitudes. Trekkers often experience acute mountain sickness above 3,000 meters. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, insomnia or poor sleep, and loss of appetite. Proper acclimatization, gradual ascent, hydration, and rest are essential to prevent or reduce the effects of altitude sickness.

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Director

Roman Vaidya