Combination Trek of Annapurna Circuit, Nar Phu Valley, and Tilicho Lake
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular treks in Nepal, and this special itinerary combines three major highlights in one trek: the hidden Nar Phu Valley, Tilicho Lake, and the Thorong La Pass.
This journey offers scenic beauty of nature, diverse culture, breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, unique landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and local people's lifestyles of hidden gem.
First, you will visit the Nar Phu Valley, exploring its hidden gems and untouched remote beauty. Then, experience the tremendous Tilicho Lake, located at a high altitude (4,919 m), known as the highest glacial lake in Nepal. Finally, cross the Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and end the trek at Jomsom–Muktinath.
Explore Hidden Gem of Nar Phu Valley
Nar Phu Valley is known as a remote trekking destination and hidden gem of Nepal, famous for its authentic Himalayan lifestyle, Tibetan-influenced culture, wild and domestic animals like yaks and goats, and dramatic landscapes.
It lies near the Tibet border and is influenced by Tibetan dress, language, and culture. The people follow Tibetan Buddhism and live a traditional lifestyle. You’ll find many Buddhist monuments such as monasteries, mani walls, chortens, stupas, and prayer flags.
Famous Monasteries in Nar and Phu Villages
- Tashila Khang Monastery at Phu Village
- Satya Gompa (Truth Monastery) at Nar Phedi
Every village has its own monastery where monks, students, and spiritual teachers live and practice. You can visit these peaceful places for meditation and spiritual connection.
Trekking Route Inside Nar Phu Valley
Here is the trekking route of Nar Phu Valley:
Koto → Meta → Kyang → Phu Village → Himlung Base Camp → Nar Phedi (Monastery) → Nar Village → Kangla Pass → Manang Valley
A special permit is Required in Nar Phu Valley
- Nar Phu Valley is a restricted trekking area, and a special permit is required.
- Must be issued through a registered trekking agency.
- You must be accompanied by a licensed guide.
- A minimum of two trekkers is required in one group.
- Permit cost: USD 75 to 100 depending on tourist season.
- Validity: Minimum 1 week.
- Also, since this trek falls inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, you need
- ACAP Permit—USD 30 or NPR 3,000 (Nepali equivalent).
Kangla Pass (5,320m)
After exploring Nar Phu Valley, you'll cross the Kangla Pass (5,320 m), which connects Nar Phu with the Annapurna Circuit. It’s a challenging but rewarding high mountain pass.
- The first part is a gradual walk, followed by a steep ascent from Nar Village (4,200 m) to Kangla Top (5,320 m).
- Then a long descent to Ngawal Village (5320 m) to 3,700 m.
- Approximately you must walk 7-8 hours.
Acclimatization Day at Manang Village
- Manang is a big and beautiful village located at 3,500 m, ideal for acclimatization after Kangla Pass.
- It has comfortable lodges and mountain bakeries, Cafés, local markets, and a monastery
- Day hike options to Gangapurna Lake viewpoint (3,800 m) or Ice Lake.
- Spectacular views of Annapurna II, III, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, Chulu Peaks, and more.
- Relax with fresh local food, enjoy bakery cafes, and get ready for the adventure ahead: Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass.
Visit Tremendous Tilicho Lake
The journey to Tilicho Lake is thrilling and adventurous. From Manang, you reach Tilicho Base Camp in one day via a landslide-prone section that is a well-maintained and safe trail. Always walk carefully with your team.
- Manang to base camp is a 7-hour walk, and you stay overnight here.
- Early in the morning, start the hike to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m).
- It takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, mostly ascending
- Once at the lake, the views are breathtaking—you'll forget your fatigue
- Enjoy in peace, take some photos, admire Tilicho Peak, and drink a cup of tea or coffee and eat an energy bar at the tea shop.
- Return to Tilicho Base Camp, have lunch, and continue to Shree Kharka (2.5 hrs walk)
Join Highway of Annapurna Circuit Again
From Shree Kharka, the trail joins back to the Annapurna Circuit at Yak Kharka, and the trek continues toward Thorong La Pass.
Overnight Stay at High Altitude Thorong Phedi or High Camp
You can stay either at Thorong Phedi (4,500 m) or High Camp (4,850 m). It depends on your situation of health.
Our experienced guide will decide where to stay depending on your physical condition. If you're feeling strong, it's better to stay at High Camp to make the pass easier the next morning. The trail from Phedi to High Camp is steep but only 1 hour.
Thorong La Pass (5,416 m)—The Highest Pass
Thorong La is one of the highest trekking passes in the world, but it’s not very difficult if you are well-acclimatized. The trail is well-managed, with no risk of avalanches or landslides.
- Start early at 4–5 AM from Phedi or High Camp
- It takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours to reach the top
- Then descend for 3.5 to 4 hours to Muktinath
Muktinath is a sacred temple site for Hindus and Buddhists. After so many adventurous days, this place is your final trekking night. Celebrate with your guide and porters and share your happiness. It would be wonderful and respectful to workers.
Drive or Flight Back to Pokhara
From Jomsom (Kaligandaki Valley), known for yummy apples and strong winds, you can return to Pokhara:
- Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara: 20 minutes.
- Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara (8 to 9 hours) by bus or jeep.
- From Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight: 30 minutes.
- Pokhara to Kathmandu by Bus: (7 to 8 hours)
We can arrange everything based on your preference.
Lodging and Food Facilities
The Annapurna Circuit is a classic and well-established trek. You will find well-managed lodges and teahouses and neat and clean rooms. Local, hygienic, organic, and continental meals are available everywhere. Local people are mostly farmers, growing seasonal crops and raising yaks, goats, and sheep
Local Lifestyle, Culture, and Religion
Nar Phu and Manang Valley have similar Tibetan-influenced cultures, with their own language, customs, and rituals. People follow pure Tibetan Buddhism and celebrate unique festivals.
- Every village has historical monasteries.
- Senior monks and students are living in monasteries.
- You are welcome to visit, and you can meditate.
- it brings you peace and positive energy
Attractions and Crystal-Clear Mountain Views
You will see majestic snow-capped mountains throughout the trek. Some major peaks include
From Nar Phu Valley:
- Mt. Himlung (7,126m / 23,380ft.)
- Mt. Nemjung (7,140m / 23,425 ft.)
- Pisang Peak (6,091m / 19,983 ft.)
- Kanguru Peak (6,200m / 20,342 ft.)
From Manang Valley:
- Mt. Manaslu (8,163m / 26,781ft.)
- Annapurna II (7937m / 26,040ft.)
- Annapurna III (7555m / 24,787ft.)
- Annapurna IV (7545m / 24,754ft.)
- Gangapurna (7545m / 24,754ft.)
- Tilicho Peak (7119m / 23,356ft.)
- Pisang (6091m / 19,983ft.)
- Chulu Peaks (6400m / 20997ft.)
From Jomsom/Muktinath:
- Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m / 26,795ft.)
- Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545ft.)
- Mt. Nilgiri 9
- Tukuche Peak
- Dhampus Peak
- Annapurna South
- Hiunchuli
- Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)
Outline Itinerary (20 Days)
- Arrival in Kathmandu
- Trek Preparation & Kathmandu sightseeing
- Drive to Dharapani via Besisahar
- Trek to Koto
- Trek to Meta (entry to Nar Phu Valley)
- Trek to Kyang
- Trek to Phu Village & visit the monastery.
- Trek to Nar Phedi (Monastery stay)
- Trek to Nar Village
- Cross Kangla Pass (5,320m)
- Trek to Manang
- Acclimatization Day—Visit Gangapurna Lake
- Trek to Tilicho Base Camp
- Visit Tilicho Lake & back to Shree Kharka
- Trek to Yak Kharka
- Trek to Thorong Phedi or High Camp
- Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
- Drive or fly to Pokhara
- Drive or fly to Kathmandu
- Final departure / Optional tour
Cost of Annapurna Circuit via Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake
This combination of Annapurna Circuit via Nar Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake trekking costs USD 1,275 per person but requires a minimum of 2 pax. If you are a solo traveler, the price will be more. If you book your Kathmandu–Pokhara hotels separately, the cost can be a bit reduced.
Rivers, Lakes, and Natural Beauty
This trek follows two famous rivers:
- First of all, all of Manang Valley and Nar Phu Valley follow the Marshyangdi River till Throng La and Tilicho Lake. It is huge and clean mountain glacial water.
- After the high pass of Thorong La, you will follow the Kali Gandaki River, which is a black-colored resource from Tibet and some high mountain glaciers.
Famous lakes along the way: you will see those beautiful lakes.
- Gangapurna Lake in front of Manang village. It is a nice lake.
- Ice Lake (day trip from Manang) with breathtaking views of white snow mountains. You must walk 4/6 hours ascending and two hours descending, more than 6/7 hours of adventure day trip. If you wish, we recommend visiting here.
- Tilicho Lake—the highest glacial lake in the world, situated at 4919 m and made by huge mountains—is Tilicho Peak glacial lake.
Wildlife, Flora, and Fauna
Inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, you might see:
- Snow leopards, Himalayan bears, deer, jackals, red pandas, monkeys, Blue sheep, wild goats, and a variety of birds
- Lush alpine forests, rhododendrons, and pine trees
- Also, domestic animals like yaks, goats, sheep, and cows are common in villages.
We have crafted a 20-day-from-arrival-to-departure perfect itinerary. If you would like to do it as a more or less day trip, we can customize it according to your requirements. It's possible because there is a running vehicle, and it can cut off the days. We are always pleased to share with you more reality information. Feel free.
