Nar Phu Valley Trek via Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake

We can see attractive views of the Nepali countryside, lush greeneries, rivers, villages, farms, and mountain vistas en route throughout the drive. After 8-10 hours of drive, we reach Khudi via Besishahar. Drive up to Besishahar will most likely be smooth owing to black-topped roads whereas after Besishahar, the roads get dusty and coarse but the scenic view from our windowpane is more than compensating for the bumpy ride. Overnight in Khudi.

The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further, the ascent leads to a sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into the picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach the steep forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. Overnight in Dharapani.

We begin our trek in the morning towards Bagarchhap which takes about one hour passing through pine and fir forests. We can visit the whitewashed monastery in this village. Then we continue our trek till Danaque which takes about an hour. The trail is steeply ascending up to Timang. We have a good view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29 from here. Now the trail continues through pine forests again till Latamarang which takes about one and a half hours. We break for lunch here and again resume through forests whereby we have a short glimpse of Annapurna II. Finally, we arrive in Chame village

In the morning, we register our restricted area permit at the Police Check Post. Then we trek through the River bank of Soti Khola again through wonderful pine forests, streams, and suspension and reach Dharmasala. We have our packed lunch on the way. We then continue the trek through forests and ascend steeply towards Meta village. Finally, we arrive on the Tibetan Plateau where we have a very good view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Overnight in Meta.

We start our day traversing up and down and crossing suspension bridges over different streams. After almost 4 hours of trek, we reach Kyang where we can see the remnants, particularly the ruined forts of the Khampa settlement (the place where Khampa refugees from Tibet once captured and lived). We further keep walking past the Phu Khola on a rocky trail and finally reach the Phu village in another 3 to 4 hours. Overnight in Phu Gaon.

Today is the scheduled acclimatization day whereby we are suggested to rest and get acclimatized to the altitude. As we are in the Lost/Hidden Valley, we can explore the culture, natural diversity, and religious practices of ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung, and Ghale here. Besides this, we can trace out how people make their survival depending on agriculture, animal breeding, and seasonal migrations in such remote locations or in the hidden valley. It is also the day for us to explore the Tashi Lakhang Monastery – the old Buddhist Monastery listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is supposed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. Apart from exploring the cultural avenues of the lost valley, the valley also offers us a great view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks in the region. Overnight at Phu Gaon.

The trail descends passing many streams and suspension bridges until Mahendra Pul which takes about 4 hours. We pass the high suspension bridge 80m over the Gorge of Lapche River. We have lunch in Mahendra Pul. After lunch, the trail steeply ascends passing many Buddhist stupas until Nar Village which takes about 2 hours. We find several Buddhist Monasteries here to visit coupled with the glorious vistas of Pisang Peak and other small peaks. Overnight in Nar.

Today is an adventurous day with a long day hike so we get up early in the morning and head to Kangla Pass. In the pass, we can see the Annapurna massif. We further trek down to Ngwal from there. Overnight in Ngwal.

From Ngwal, we head for Manang today. We pass through the isolated village of Paugh overlooking the amazing views of the Annapurna range. We then move gently uphill to Mungli and then to the main trail of Annapurna Trail at Mungli. We eventually reach Manang, where we set up our camps for an overnight stay. Overnight in Manang.

Today is the scheduled acclimatization day whereby we are suggested to rest and get acclimatized to the altitude. As we are in the Lost/Hidden Valley, we can explore the culture, natural diversity, and religious practices of ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung, and Ghale here. Besides this, we can trace out how people make their survival depending on agriculture, animal breeding, and seasonal migrations in such remote locations or in the hidden valley. It is also the day for us to explore the Tashi Lakhang Monastery – the old Buddhist Monastery listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is supposed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. Apart from exploring the cultural avenues of the lost valley, the valley also offers us a great view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks in the region. Overnight at Phu Gaon.

Today we continue our adventure toward Tilicho Lake.  Leaving Manang by its western gate, we descend to the river, cross it on the bridge below Khangsar, and ascend the slope to the village, still in the old Tibetan style, and also known as the last village of Nepal. Overnight at guesthouse.

Continuing from Khangsar on a recently constructed path, we pass a Gompa (monastery)  up towards a high ridge. At an intersection, we choose between two paths.  One maintains the altitude, traversing the slopes towards a narrow valley; the other continues to ascend towards the ridge line. The former is the old path and is much more difficult because of its steepness and screen surface. The latter is the new path that goes a completely different way. We take the new path, reach a high crest, and descend on switchbacks carved out through the scree slopes to a side valley of the main valley. At its bottom is a brook. On the other side is a building known as Tilicho Base Camp (4,200m)

From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to the village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, and a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Kharka.

We make our way to the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi today. Thorong Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Trekkers like us use this point as a base camp. Some visitors also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for them. But, Himalayan Glacier's team leader does not advise this. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi so that we can have sound sleep at a lower altitude rather than risking sleeping at a higher altitude at High Camp. Overnight at Thorong Phedi.

Crossing the arduous Thorong La Pass at a dizzying height of 5,416m/17,764ft is another highlight of this trek. An early start is important to go through the icy high-altitude trail. But the picturesque mountain vistas more than compensate for the strenuous walk through the grueling trail. We reach Muktinath by sunset which is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. We can stroll around the area which hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Overnight at Muktinath.

 After getting to Jomsom you have to travel through Tatopani which is a hot spring by driving 7 hours off the road.

We get some rest and explore the beauty of Pokhara Valley in the evening. While we leisurely walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, the second biggest lake of Nepal while admiring the mountain view of Machhapuchhare. We can also go for a boat ride in Fewa Lake or take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda. We can end the day with a leisurely stroll around the mesmerizing lakeside area. Overnight in Pokhara.

Today, after breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize our photos. We can spend the evening leisurely or perhaps catch up on some last-minute shopping. Either way, we celebrate the successful completion of our journey with a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight at Kathmandu.