Tucked away far from Annapurna region, Nar Phu Tilicho Trek is ideal for those who have enough time and appetite to venture into some of pristine and beaten off trail & region beyond the regular trekking region of Nepal. Nar Phu Tilicho Lake Trekking takes you to the scheduled village, Nar & Phu and offer wilderness trekking at Annapurna circuit route to explore- Tilicho Lake Trek. Trekking in Nar Phu valley offers unique topography in Trans-Himalayan similar to that of Tibet. Similarly Tilicho Lake trek is the superb trail that leads you to the highest lakes of the world, Tilicho Lake.
The Narphu Tilihco Lake Trail follows rugged path as you explore ancient Tibetan villages of Nar and Phu, cress Kang La Pass andj takes you to the pristine and less explored region to Tilicho Lake. It is one of challenging trail in Annapurna region and great alternative to the popular Thorung La Pass on the Annapurna circuit trek.
Nar Phu Tilicho Lake Trek is superb trekking experience that offers off beat cultural experience in remote Nepal and natural splendor of alpine mountain at one go. Trekking to Nar Phu Tilicho Lake is strenuous and demands high level of fitness and strong determination.
Outline Itinerary of Nar Phu Tilicho Lake Trek
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport (1,400m)
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu valley including UNSCEO designated sites
Day 03: Drive to Beshishar (830m)
Day 04: Drive to Dharapani (1,960m)
Day 05: Trek to Koto (2,600m)
Day 06: Trek to Dharmashala (3,220m)
Day 07: Trek to Chaku (3,772m)
Day 08: Trek to Phu (4,050m)
Day 09: Acclimatization day at Phu
Day 10: Trek to Nar (4,150m)
Day 11: Trek to Kang La Phedi (4,530m)
Day 12: Trek to Ngawal (3,670m) crossing Kang La Pass (5,280m)
Day 13: Trek to Manang (3,540m)
Day 14: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (3,734m)
Day 15: Trek to Tilicho Lake (4,949m)
Day 16: Trek to Yak Kharka (3,510m) via Tilicho Pass
Day 17: Trek to Jomsom (2,720m)
Day 18: Fly to Pokhara
Day 19: Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 20: Final Departure
Is This Trek For Me?
Nar Phu Tilicho Valley Trek is not for elderly people, children and medically challenged person. Since, the trek last for more than 2 weeks with hiking several hours in strenuous mountain terrain, a good fitness is the most. It is in fact an endurance test. If you have pre-exiting medical issues, you must consult the doctor prior the trip.
For Nar Phu Tilicho Lake Trek, you don’t need any technical skills and previous trekking experience however past experience might be an asset. To gain the stamina and body strength, you must go through intense physical training at least 1 month prior the trek.
Training
- Jogging for couple of weeks for several hours carrying backpack of at least 10 kg.
- Running and swimming
- Leg cardio and physical training
Highlights
- Deep insight of Tibetan origin village Nar and Phu and close interaction with locals
- Exceptional views of alpine landscapes and panorama
- Great views entire Annapurna range
- Stunning view of crystal Tilicho Lake- the highest lake in Nepal
- True insight of remote Nepal where the nature, culture and tradition still remain intact
- Joining the adventurous Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Great participation in eco-tourism development of remote Nar Phu Village and Annapurna region of Nepal
What to Pack?
Complete gear list for Nar Phu Tilicho Lake Trek:
Clothing
- Waterproof trekking boot with suitable ankle support
- Sport shoes and casual shoes for walking and strolling around
- 3 Pair of warm shocks and 3 pair of light socks
- Down Jacket, Windproof Jacket and Water Jacket
- Thermal Gloves
- Hiking trousers and shorts. Thermal leggings for colder areas
- Water-proof trousers
- Hiking T-shirts and long sleeved shirts
- Wool or fleece hat or balaclava
- Large Handkerchief and Bandana for neck
Personal Trekking Gear
- Strong rucksack or large hold for porter
- Important documents like passport, pp size photo, travel documents and trekking permits and TIMS for Narphu Tilicho Lake Trek
- Plastic bags or stuff sacks to prevent trekking gear inside the bag
- 3-4 season sleeping bag, camera with extra batteries and charger
- Towels and toiletries
- Water purifier and Insect repellent
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and Earplugs
- Trekking poles
Toiletries
- Hand sanitizers and personal towel
- Tooth brush and paste
Luxury Item
- Binoculars, Books
- Playing cards, backgammon and chess set
Personal First Aid Kit and Necessary Drugs
- Aspirin, Moleskin, Adhesive Tape, Band-Aids, Scissor and Blade
- Diamox, anti-headache, anti-stomachache and anti-diarrhea
Trekking Route of Nar Phu Valley Tilicho Lake Trek
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar (830m) - 6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camp Overnight
Day 02: Drive to Dharapani (1960m) – 5 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camp Overnight
Day 03: Trek to Koto (2600m) – 6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camp Overnight
Day 04: Trek to Dharmasala (3220m) – 6/7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camp Overnight
Day 05: Trek to Chaku (3772m) – 6 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camp Overnight
Day 06: Trek to Phu (4050m) – 6/7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camp Overnight
Day 07: Acclimatization Day at Phu
Day 08: Trek to Nar (4150m) – 7/8 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camp Overnight
Day 09: Trek to Kangla Phedi (4530) – 3 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camp Overnight
Day 10: Trek to Manang (3540m) – 6/7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camp Overnight
Day 11: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (3734m) – 6/7 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camp Overnight
Day 12: Trek to Tilicho Lake (4949m) – 5 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camp Overnight
Day 13: Pass Tilicho Lake and trek to Yak Kharka (3510m) – 8/9 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camp Overnight
Day 14: Trek to Jomsom (2720m) – 5 hours
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camp Overnight
Day 15: Fly to Pokhara (900m) – 20 minutes
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camp Overnight
