Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu and Tilicho Lake

Best time/Season/Month for the Nar Phu and Tilicho Lake Trek

Spring and Autumn are the optimal seasons to grab the opportunity to discover the Annapurna region's charm and enchanting beauty with Nar Phu and Tilicho. These seasons are characterized by mild weather, splendid natural landscape, and minimal rainfall.

• Spring Season (Months of March, April, and May)

The Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho and Nar Phu is best done in the spring. It is the peak season for traveling and trekking in Nepal. Temperatures range from 8 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius during the day. It will drastically drop at night while ascending to higher altitudes. The sky is clear with a crisp atmosphere, offering picturesque views of the Himalayan range. The trail is surrounded by blooming wildflowers and rhododendrons during this time of the year.

• Autumn Season (Months of September, October, and November)

Trekking in Autumn is an excellent experience due to calm, light winds, moderate temperatures, and crisp atmosphere. As you ascend higher, you may experience sudden downpours of rain because the weather might change unpredictably. It is best to be prepared with the essentials to stay protected from light rain and snow. Nonetheless, the sky is clear, with breathtaking scenery of the green hills and snow-covered mountains. The view is pristine because the monsoon rain cleanses the atmosphere, leaving a clean and clear, picturesque landscape.

Note: Trekking during winter and monsoon is very challenging because of the heavy rain and snow. The trails might even get blocked due to debris, leading to additional stays at the tea houses. During this time of year, the local residents also allocate to lower regions, so most teahouses are shut down and not operational.

Trekking in the Restricted Areas requires Permits.

Since Nar and Phu are two valleys classified as restricted areas in Nepal, we must adhere to specific trekking rules. Traveling in these zones must be organized through a government-registered travel agency like Outfitter Nepal. It is also important to note that you will need a group of two members to participate in this remarkable journey.

• To access these valleys, you must have the Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which is valid for seven days after you enter.
• The permit costs approximately USD 100 per person. If you want to extend your stay beyond 7 days, you will have to pay an additional USD 10 per day.
• You will also need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (20 USD per person) and a TIMS Card (20 USD per person) for the trek.

Difficulty Level of the trek

The Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu and Tilicho Lake is an arduous trek. It is graded as significantly challenging because of the long days of hiking in high-altitude regions. The initial leg of the trek is comparatively easy as it passes through the well-established and paved Annapurna Circuit Trail. However, hiking starts to become strenuous as you ascend to higher elevations.

As you get closer to Tilicho Lake, the trail transitions into a more off-the-beaten, rugged landscape covered with slippery snow and ice. We suggest you walk cautiously in these parts with careful footing, as there might be loose rocks that can cause slips and falls. Additionally, while the trek takes you to higher parts of the region, you will begin to experience the effects of the elevation gain.

Travelers might suffer from altitude sickness if they do not make a gradual ascent or don't get enough rest during this high-altitude journey. Additionally, you will walk for approximately 8 to 10 hours daily through demanding terrains. The sudden weather change at higher altitudes could further complicate things, as the trail will get slippery and wet due to rain and snow. Overall, you must have the proper mindset and have the essentials to keep yourself safe during the trek and move forward to your goal.

Who can join us on the Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu and Tilicho Lake Trek?

The Nar Phu and Tilicho Lake with the Annapurna Circuit Trek is a challenging adventure in the remote Himalayan region of Nepal. This trek is only suitable for those people who are physically fit and have the proper mindset to conquer high mountain passes and challenging terrains. Some of the other essential aspects you need to consider before joining this remarkable trip include:

• This trek is recommended for those with previous high-altitude trek experience above 5,000 meters.
• If you are a beginner who wants to join this trip, it is crucial to participate in shorter treks to expose yourself to high-altitude conditions.
• The journey is ideal for adventure enthusiasts who want to witness ancient ruins, culture, and customs while trekking in remote and beautiful landscapes.
• You have completed the classic Annapurna Circuit Trail and want to extend your adventure to additional routes.
• We advise you to have a pre-medical checkup, as participants with pre-existing medical conditions must consult their doctors before beginning the trek.

Preparation before Nar Phu and Tilicho Lake Trek

This trek takes you to two of Nepal's highest passes, including the Kang La Pass (5240m) and the Thorong La Pass (5416m). Carrying your day pack and hiking for over 6 hours will require enormous endurance and strength during the ascent. As a result, trekkers must invest adequate time to exercise and train themselves physically to enhance stamina, strength, and flexibility. As a head start, here are some basic guidelines to prepare yourself for the trek.

• Strengthen your core muscles by doing exercises like skipping rope, squats, jumping jacks, sit-ups, and weight lifting.
• Enhance cardiovascular health with brisk walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming.
• Focus on the flexibility and mobility of your body parts and practice yoga and stretches.
• Maintain a healthy and nutritious diet to replenish your body.
• Conduct in-depth research to understand the trek and have realistic expectations.

Altitude Sickness and Remedies

As you gain elevation in this trek, the oxygen levels drop significantly at higher altitudes. And combined with the air pressure, most trekkers experience acute motion sickness above 3,000 meters. However, it is essential to note that each individual reacts differently in such conditions and can suffer from the illness regardless of their experience and fitness level. Here are some early symptoms you need to look out for:

• Dizziness, Lightheadedness, and disorientation.
• Fatigue and exhaustion of the body even while at rest.
• Shortness of breath and changes in breathing pattern.
• Suffering from Insomnia.
• Headache and lack of appetite.

If you experience any of these early signs of altitude sickness, you need to inform the guide immediately. It is crucial for you to receive medical attention to alleviate the symptoms and cure them effectively. You can follow the listed measures, which have been tested in real-life scenarios, to prevent and reduce the impact of high altitude.

• Slow and gradual accent.
• Avoid rushing and taking periodic breaks.
• Staying hydrated by drinking at least 2-3 litres of water daily.
• Get at least 8 hours of sleep to rest your body.
• Avoid excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption.
• Take medications like Diamox under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
• Drink natural remedies like green tea, ginger tea, and garlic soup.