Narphu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit & Tilicho

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our correspondent who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. Once checked in, we will arrange a pre-trip meeting where we will brief in short about the trek, answer any queries you have and meet your trekking guide as well. After the short brief, you can relax and spend rest of the day at your leisure. Stay overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

This day is a reserve day as we need to prepare the Special Restricted Area Trekking permit for trekking in Narphu Valley.  Meanwhile, this will be free day in Kathmandu for UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE sightseeing / mountain flight to see beautiful views of Everest range and so on..

• Kathmandu Durbar Square: A heritage site near Thamel, filled with ancient palaces, temples, and vibrant Newari culture at the heart of the old city. On the way you can explore the old Newari flea market - Ason market.
• Swoyambhunath: Also known as the Monkey Temple, it offers panoramic views of Kathmandu.
• Patan Durbar Square: Home of several ancient places, temples, statues, religious objects, former royal palace (museum).

This day prepare to begin the journey from city of temples, Kathmandu to village of majestic Himalayas, Annapurna Region. Today’s whole journey will be drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani via Besisahar which takes about 9-10 hours (220 km). Upon arrival in Besisahar and drive in local private jeep for next 3-4 hours journey in mountain road till Dharapani.

Besisahar is the capital of Lamjung district. Besisahar is the entry point for: Narphu Valley Trek, Namun Bhanjyang Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek and it is also the ending point of Manaslu Circuit Trek. In case anyone needs to buy any important items for trek, then it is possible to buy in Besisahar.

From Besisahar, you will enjoy the scenic and adventurous ride to Dharapani as the road lies along the bank of Marsyangdi River thorugh Syange and continues with a short and steep climb to one of the beautiful villages of Tal (an ancient glacier lake) before we reach Dharpani. From Besisahar you can see local village people, small villages, spectacular waterfalls on the way to Dharapani. Stay overnight at lodge in Dharapani.

After having breakfast in morning, prepare to start the first day of the trek from Dharapani to Koto which take about 6.5 hours. Today’s route will be same as Annapurna Circuit Trek route until you reach Koto. On the way will walk along the pine forest on straight ascending trial. After passing through many traditional villages like Bagarchhap, Danaque, Timang and Syarkyu to reach Koto. As you reach towards Timang village (end point of Namun Bhanjyang Trek) we start to see Annapurna II, Mount Manaslu and Peak 29. We can have lunch here in Timang. And after Timang walking another 2.5 hours we will reach Koto.

Koto is a small village inhabited by the Gurungs and here we can explore around the local monastery and enjoy the spectacular view of Mount Manaslu. Stay overnight at lodge in Koto.

After having breakfast in morning, prepare to begin the trek towards Nar Phu side, which takes about 6-7 hours of walking. Before beginning the trek, your guide will have to register your details showing restricted area permits and ACAP in Koto check post. Koto marks the beginning of the remote Nar Phu Valley trail as trekkers leave the main Annapurna Circuit behind.

 Begin the trek by following narrow Soti Khola gorge. On the way you will cross multiples of suspension bridge and wooden bridge above Phu Khola, pass through Chhongche caves, see waterfalls and get the chance to observe the local traditional settlement of people. As you gradually gain altitude, you'll pass through dense pine forests, waterfalls, and a few small rest points like Dharmasala. Lunch Camp in Dharmasala. 

After stop in Dharmasala and restign for a while, continue the journey to Meta which takes another 1.5 hours of straight uphill trial. On the you can see mesmerizing views of Annapurna II, Himlung Himal and Lamjung Himal.  Meta village is also known as the plateau of Tibet. Meta is the first major settlement in the Nar Phu valley and offers dramatic views of surrounding peaks. This place is influenced by Tibetan - Buddhist culture. Stay overnight at lodge in Meta.

After having breakfast in morning, begin the trek towards Kyang which takes about 5-6 hours of walking through a gently ascending and smooth hill trial. 

Today's trek to Kyang offers stunning high-altitude desert kind of views with eroded cliffs, narrow gorges, and wide riverbeds. You have to ascend through Phu Khola (river), pass through small seasonal shelters once used by herderes along the barren landscape. Along the way to Kyang we can see amazing views of mountains like: Pisang peak & Kangaru Himal and also you get toe explore ancient Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. You will reach Kyang in Lunch camp.

Kyang is a broad, open area that was historically a significant Khampa settlement and now offers a quiet overnight resting spot with spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayas. Stay overnight at lodge in Kyang.

After having breakfast in morning, hike towards Phu gaun (village) which takes about 3-4 hours. 

The hike continues with ascending through the rugged terrain in dry desert kind of landscape with the breathtaking views of glacial streams, barren cliffs & distant snow peaks. On the way you will be mesmerized by the heavenly view of Pisang peak and Annapurna II. On the way to Phu gaun you can see Chhortens and many Walls, which are part of Tibetan culture. Also, you get the chance to spot one of the endangered blue sheep on the way to Phu. As we trek along the ascending trail in about 3-4 hours you will see beautifully craved wooden gate of Phu. 

As you each Phu village, you get to experience unique Tibetan culture and traditions. Phu Gaun is culturally rich beautiful settlement of the Tibetan people - Gurung and is one of the ancient villages of Nepal. Here you can explore the surroundings of the Tashi Lhakhang Monastery in Phu acknowledged by Dalai Lama. From Phu Gaun we can see the beautiful Himalayan range such as Kangroo, Himlung and others. Stay overnight at lodge in Phu.

After having breakfast in morning, get ready to trek towards Nar Phedi which takes about 6-7 hours of walk.

At the beginning of the trek, you will have to descend downhill and then cross Phu Khola (River) through its suspension bridge. Then after start to ascend towards Nar phedi and on the way we pass through the different villages like: Kyang and Upper Chyako. On the way to Nar Phedi you can enjoy the scenic view of Pisang peak and other peaks accompanied by the breathtaking landscape of Nar Phu valley.

As you reach Nar Phedi, experience Tibetan communities and Buddhist culture. In the evening, you can also participate in daily rituals performed by the monks which believes to create holy ambiance around the monastery. Stay overnight at lodge in Nar Phedi.

After having breakfast in morning, hike from Nar Phedi to Nar which takes about 3 hours along the uphill trials. Throughout the trek you will be amazed by the barren landscape of Nar Phu valley and yak pastures. Also, you will pass through the Chortens, mani walls, gompas and reach Nar in about 3 hours.

Nar is a beautiful ancient village where Nar means "blue sheep". The village of Nar is quite larger than the village of Phu. 

From Nar you can see fascinating views of Kangaru Himal and Pisang peaks. You can explore around four different monasteries (gompa) in the village of Nar. The four different important gompas (monastery) of Nar are: Guru Choling Gompa, Samten Pelgye Ling Gompa, Kunsei Dechen Gompa, and Samdru Choling Gompa. The Nar Phu trek is also very popular as the Hidden Valley Trek in Nepal, as the settlement at Nar-Phu was discovered in later days or eras.

Here you can also see Gurung settlement, coexisting with the Tibetan people whose culture and adaptation is greatly influenced by Tibetan culture. You can also see women engaged in weaving woolen fabric for rugs and blankets. Stay overnight at lodge in Nar.

Today is one of the important as well as long day of Nar Phu Valley trek. After having breakfast in the early morning, begin to trek towards Ngawal after passing Kan La Pass (5306 m) which takes about 9 hours of walking.

Early morning, begin to trek along the ascending trial through the Temdenzon Khola’s (river), lateral moraine and pass through the yak pastures along the way. Also cross through the Jhombu Kharka which is known as the base of the Kang La Pass. As you trek along, on the way you will be awes trucked by the west side view of Pisang Peak. After walking for about 5-6 hours you will reach the top of Kang La. Upon reaching Kang La Pass you can see enchanting views of Tilicho Peak, Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Gangapurna Himal. Stay for a while enjoy the view, take pictures, celebrate the moment and then begin to descend downhill towards Ngawal.

After crossing the pass, you begin to see the Himalayan part of Annapurna Circuit Trek: Tilicho, Annapurna Range and Chulu Peak on the right side. Descending for about 3 hours downhill you will reach Ngawal.

Ngawal is a beautiful village settlement from where you can enjoy the mesmerizing views of Annapurna range. In Ngawal there are important Buddhist pilgrimage site like: centuries old cave where Guru Rinpoche meditates. You can explore around today or next day. Ngawal is a camp en route to Annapurna Circuit Trek, from this point travellers also continue the trek to Manang and explore around Tilicho lake, lake siturated at the highest altitute or complete Thorang La pass, one of the highest passes of Nepal. Stay overnight at lodge in Nar.

After having breakfast in the morning prepare to trek towards Manang - one of the famous destination of Annapurna Circuit Trek which takes about 4 hours of walking. 

Today's trek will be descending trial at first and then trekking through open meadows, juniper forest to reach Mananag. On the way to trek you will reach one of the beautiful village near Manang named Braga. In Braga you can visit Braga Monastery which is believed to be centuries of years old. Also you can explore the a picturesque village of Braga and you can see spectacular views of the Annapurna range. On the way you can see panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak.

Upon reaching in Manang, a vibrant village nestled beneath towering peaks, you can have lunch and then take rest. After lunch you can explore around Manang, go to bakeries and have famous apple juice of Manang, go to Gangapurna glacier lake and so on. Stay overnight at lodge. 

This day you will have breakfast in morning and then trek towards Sri Kharka which takes about 4-5 hours via Khangsar. Today’s trek will be quite shorter as well as not so difficult and we will reach Sri Kharka in lunch camp.

Today’s trek will begin by taking the upper route then crossing the river and then continuing the trek along the coniferous forests. After about 3 hours of trek, you will reach Khangsar village which is local settlement of Tibetan people of Manang. On the way to Sri Kharka, you will pass through another monastery and also start to see beautiful views of Mount Chulu and Gungan Himalayas. Upon arrival in Sri Kharka, you will have lunch in Sri Kharka and rest for the remaining day. Stay overnight at lodge in Sri Kharka.

This day you will have breakfast in the morning and trek towards Tilicho Base Camp which takes about 3 hours.

Today you will reach Tilicho Base camp after passing through landslide-prone areas. As you trek along the landslide prone zone, you can see impressive rock formations and some amazing views of Tilicho Peak and other Himalayas. After crossing landslide area, you will walk on the rocky trial Tilicho Base Camp. Stay overnight at lodge in Tilicho Base Camp.

Today will be one of the important days of the trek, this day we will go to explore most beautiful as well as the lake situated at the highest altitude, Tilicho Lake. Tilicho Lake was also recognized by a well-known French expedition team as “The Great Ice Lake”. The lake also holds a significance in Hinduism and has been mentioned in Ramayan, one of the holiest books of Hindu. Also, some of the trekkers would do MESOKANTA PASS and continue the trek to Jomsom.

Waking up early in the morning (around 5 am) and have breakfast then to avoid the afternoon breeze and then hike on steep trial for about 3-4 hours and reach Tilicho Lake. You will enjoy the stunning views of Tilicho Lake, and mesmerizing views of Tilicho Peak, Ananapurna Range and Nilgiri Peak from the lake.

You will enjoy for a while and then begin to descend back from Tilicho Lake to Base Camp. You will have Lunch in the base camp and then prepare to return back to Sri Kharka in another 3 hours along the descending trials. On the way back you can also get to see Himalayan yaks, blue sheep and so on. Stay overnight at lodge in Sri Kharka.

This day you will have breakfast in the morning and then prepare to head towards Yak Kharka which takes about 4/5 hours.

Starting the trek from Sri Kharka by walking straight rocky and coniferous trial and after few hours you will be walking ascending trial enjoying the beautiful views of Annapurna Range, Chulu West, Tanki Manang, Pisang Peak and so on on the way. Again, from the top hill you start to descend for about 1 hour and cross Marsyangdi River wooden bridge and again walking another 1 hour you will reach Yak Kharka. Stay overnight at lodge in Yak Kharka.

Today prepare to trek towards the foot of Thorong La pass, Thorong Phedi. This day you will have breakfast in the morning and prepare to begin your trek to Thorang Phedi which takes about 3-4 hours. As you will be climbing high altitude, you will walk slowly, taking rest.

From Yak Kharka, you will climb up to a ridge till Ledar (4200 m), then descend down and cross the Marsyangdi river on a wooden bridge. Then after you climb uphill on the landslide area for about 40 minutes and reach small tea shop. You will rest here for a while and enjoy the scenery.

begin to follow a narrow trail across a slope and descend to Thorong Phedi. Thorong Phedi is not a village, it is a rugged terrain with lodges and lush lowland. Stay overnight at lodge in Thorang Phedi.

Today is one of the important and memorable day of the trek, as you will be crossing one of the highest passes of the world. Early morning you will have breakfast and then begin to trek towards our next destination Muktinath via Thorong La Pass which takes about 8-9 hours.

At beginning climb steep uphill till you reach High Camp and from there you will walk zig zag trial till small tea shop and then again walking straight ascending trial you will reach Thorang La Pass in about 4.30 hours.

Thorang La Pass (5416 m) is one of the most challenging as well as the highest pass in the world. From the top of the pass, if weather is clear, you can see breathtaking views of Mustang Range, Dhaulagiri Range, Thorang Peak, Nilgiri Himal and so on. You will celebrate our success and take pictures here and with all the memories we will begin to descend towards Mustang region of Nepal.

From the pass, you will walk total steep descending trial for 2.30 hours and reach Phedi and have lunch here. You will rest for a while and again prepare to walk descending trial for another 1.5 hours until Muktinath.

Muktinath is a religious temple which lies in the Mustang district of Nepal. Muktinath is a sacred temple for Hindu as well as Buddhists. Buddhist people name Muktinath as Chumig Gyatsa (meaning: the hundred springs). While for Hindu people Muktinath means lord of Liberation (mokshya). This it is one of the most important religious places for Hindu and it is believed that taking bath in 108 stone sprouts will give individual salvation from the bad deeds they have done during their lifetime. Also, here lies the statue of Lord Buddha, statue of Guru Padmasava and Buddhist thanka. Also inside, you can see the eternal flame which has been burning for more than 2000 years. Stay overnight at lodge Muktinath.

This day you will visit Muktinath temple in the morning and then return back to lodge and have breakfast. Then after trek towards Jomsom which takes about 6-7 hours. You have 2 options for today, i.e to trek or drive to Jomsom.

For trekking in non-vehicle route we will follow - Muktinath – Lubra Pass – Lupra – Thini - Jomsom. You will have lunch in Lupra village which is an old settlement of Thakali people (one of the ethnic groups of Nepal). This is a beautiful Thakali village where you can explore around Bonpo Gompa, village school and meet local people of Lower Mustang.

From Lupra walking another 2 hours along the straight trials and crossing wooden bridge and then following road trial along the bank of Kali Gandaki River you will reach Jomsom via Thini village.

the way to Jomsom you will also explore another beautiful Thakali village, Thini. From the village you can see the beautiful views of Niligiri and Dhaulagiri range. As you walk along the lower Mustang trial, you can experience dry landscape and strong wind as you get close to Jomsom. Jomsom is the headquarter of Mustang district. Stay overnight at lodge Muktinath.

This day you will have breakfast in early morning and then prepare to fly Pokhara. There is only early morning flight, i.e 6 – 9 am in the morning from Jomsom to Pokhara. You will take 25 minutes flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Free day for rest / sightseeing once arrived in Pokhara. Stay overnight at the Hotel in Pokhara.

Note:

During rainy season and in case of bad weather you have other options to drive from Jomsom to Pokhara which takes about 6 hours. On the way to Pokhara via private jeep you can explore beautiful destinations of Lower Mustang like: Marpa (monastery, apple farm, white houses), Lete (beautiful mountain views), Tatopani (hot spring), Beni, Kusma and then reach Pokhara. On the way to Pokhara you will also pass through the biggest Kaligandaki Gorge. After arrival in Pokhara you can rest in the hotel.

This day after having breakfast at the hotel, you will prepare to return back to Kathmandu by tourist bus which takes about 8-9 hours. Stay overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

This day will be free day in Kathmandu for UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE sightseeing / mountain flight to see beautiful views of Everest range and so on..

• Boudhanath: One of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Pashupatinath: A sacred Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River.
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square: One of the major heritage sites with unique architect, ancient monastery, ethnic Newari culture and heritage.

Stay overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Enjoy your last day in Kathmandu before departure. At your scheduled departure time, our correspondent will pick you up from the hotel, transfer you to the airport, and bid you farewell with warm hearts.