Annapurna Circuit with Nar Phu and Tilicho Lake

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal's vibrant capital city, you'll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. The city buzzes with a rich mix of ancient culture, bustling bazaars, and sacred temples. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore its lively streets, local eateries, and gear shops. This is also an appropriate time to check your trekking gear and prepare for the adventure.

Your adventure begins with an overland drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, where rolling hills and winding rivers introduce the trek. The landscape changes as you continue in a shared jeep on rough mountain roads to Dharapani.

Along the drive, witness the stunning views of waterfalls cascading down, paddy fields, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Dharapani is a charming Marsyangdi Valley village and a key point on the Annapurna Circuit.

The trek moves you deeper into the Manang district, with occasional glimpses of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. The trail ascends gradually, taking you through charming villages like Bagarchhap and Danaque. As you approach Koto, the scenery becomes more alpine, with sharper peaks and cooler air. Koto is a serene village that is the gateway to the far-flung Nar Phu Valley, with local mountain cuisine and a cozy stay.

This is the day you pass the checkpoint and officially enter the restricted Nar Phu Valley. You will trek on a narrow trail alongside the foaming Soti Khola (river). The hike is more challenging, passing through thick forests and suspension bridges in a pristine, untainted environment. You'll trek slowly along forest trails and into open alpine slopes close to Meta.

Meta Village offers panoramic views of Kang Guru and other Himalayan mountains, with ancient stone shelters and walls adding to the high Himalayan ambiance: this isolated valley's remoteness and unspoiled beauty start to unfold here.

The trek follows rugged terrain with breathtaking views of snow-covered cliffs, strange rock formations, and barren landscapes. You'll notice some of the numerous chortens and ancient Tibetan-style stone structures along the way. The walk to Phu village starts through the stunning town of Kyang, surrounded by sweeping cliffs and remnants of old Tibetan villages.

Upon reaching Phu Village, perched above the valley, you'll be delighted by its old-fashioned charm, stone houses stacked against the mountain, centuries-old monasteries, and fluttering prayer flags. This hidden village is stepping back in time and a look into the former Himalayan way of life. Food and accommodation are included as you unwind and soak up the atmosphere of this fantastic place.

Today is reserved for acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude. You'll spend the day exploring the village's narrow alleys and intricately built stone houses and interacting with the warm-hearted locals who live a traditional Tibetan lifestyle.

A short hike to the nearby Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, believed to have been blessed by the 8th-century tantric master Guru Rinpoche, provides a spiritual and cultural immersion. The rest of the day is not just about physical adaptation but also about soaking in this hidden valley's unique heritage and tranquility.

The landscape is stark yet beautiful, with colorful prayer flags and chortens that guide your path through the vast terrain. You'll pass through Yak grazing fields and glimpse the region's rural lifestyle. The final ascent to Nar offers views of Pisang Peak and other majestic summits.

Nar Village is larger and more active than Phu. With tightly clustered houses and a few vibrant monasteries, this culturally rich village is another gem of the restricted valley, nestled against a dramatic Himalayan backdrop.

Another acclimatization day allows for rest and light exploration of Nar Village and its surroundings. Use the time to visit the local monasteries, observe daily life in the village, or take a short hike to a viewpoint for panoramic scenes of Kang Guru, Pisang Peak, and the surrounding ridgelines. Nar feels more open and communal, offering deeper cultural exchanges with the locals.

This day also helps prepare you for the challenging crossing of Kang La Pass the next day. Staying active with short walks while hydrating and resting will ensure a safe and rewarding ascent. Meals are served in your lodge, where the kitchen's warmth and hospitality make the stay feel more bearable.

Today is the most challenging and rewarding section of the trek as you cross the high Kang La Pass, a remote and stunning route connecting Nar to the Annapurna Circuit. The climb begins before dawn to avoid afternoon winds and unpredictable weather conditions. From the top of Kang La, you'll be greeted with a jaw-dropping panorama of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak—one of the most awe-inspiring moments of the trek.

The descent into the lush Marsyangdi Valley is long and dramatic, with changing landscapes from arid highlands to alpine meadows. You'll end the day in Ngawal, a charming village with Tibetan-style architecture and serene views of the Annapurna range. After the high pass, this lower elevation and warm welcome feel especially comforting.

The hike is a gentle descent toward Manang, passing through pine forests, barley fields, and ancient mani walls. The trail is less strenuous, allowing you to appreciate the stunning scenery of the Annapurna range, especially Gangapurna and the turquoise Gangapurna Lake. Along the way, you’ll pass Braga, a picturesque village known for its monastery perched on a cliffside, one of the oldest and most important in the region.

When you arrive in Manang, you'll notice that it's more developed, with bakeries, shops, and trekkers worldwide. The town is nestled in a broad valley and serves as a key acclimatization point for those heading toward Thorong La Pass. Rest here and enjoy a well-earned hot meal and comfortable lodging in this lively Himalayan town.

Spend the day resting and acclimatizing in Manang, a crucial element for a safe journey to the altitudes ahead. You can make several scenic side trips, including visiting the Gangapurna Glacier and turquoise lake or climbing the Cave Gompa for a bird's-eye view of the valley. You can also explore the local culture by visiting the Manang Cultural Museum and other nearby attractions.

You divert from the main Annapurna trail and head towards the Tilicho Lake trek, located in the region's isolated area. The path traverses through dry, windswept hillsides with extensive views down the Manang Valley below. It's a gradual climb to Siri Kharka, a minor settlement on an open slope with spectacular views of Gangapurna and the mountains. The landscape appears more desolate and open, making way for the upcoming dramatic alpine scenery.

The walk to Tilicho Base Camp is not far in distance, but requires careful footing and attention due to the nature of the terrain. As base camp is reached, Mount Tilicho and other rugged peaks fill the horizon in view. The camp is open, surrounded by glaciers and icy rock formations. At the base camp, you will hydrate yourself and eat a hearty meal before resting for the hike tomorrow.

Today, you will begin the trek early in the morning to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. The trail is steep and traverses through icy landscapes and glacial moraines. Tilicho Lake is both a spiritual and visual highlight of the trek.

It is nestled in a basin below Tilicho Peak (7,134m), surrounded by towering cliffs and eternal snow. After soaking in the breathtaking views and capturing photos, you'll return to Siri Kharka. Though challenging, this day offers unforgettable alpine scenery and a sense of accomplishment few treks can rival.

You rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit route today, trekking toward Yak Kharka. The trail follows the lines of high ridges with fantastic views, passing by yak grazing and small rock shelters. This section is relatively moderate and makes for an easy return to the main trail while keeping you high.

You will pass through the village of Gunsang and cross a few low wooden bridges over frozen streams. Yak Kharka, meaning "Yak Pasture," is a serene high-altitude settlement with incredible mountain vistas and a calm ambiance. It's an ideal spot to unwind and prepare for the ascent to Thorong La in the coming days.

Today's hike brings you to the base of Thorong La Pass. The path climbs gradually through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, becoming increasingly barren. You'll cross a small wooden bridge and a landslide-hazard stretch before reaching Thorong Phedi, a high-altitude village at the foot of towering cliffs. The views of the surrounding peaks, Chulu West and Thorung Peak, are breathtaking. Rest, hydrate well, and prepare for the demanding hike to the Thorong La Pass.

This is the most challenging and exhilarating day of your trek. Starting in the early morning darkness, you'll slowly ascend toward Thorong La Pass, gaining altitude step by step as the icy air bites and the wind picks up. Reaching the pass at 5,416 meters is a monumental success. The trek's highest point is celebrated by prayer flags and panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges that you will never forget.

After reaching the top, you will hike downwards to the Mustang region. As you reach Muktinath, a sacred site for Buddhists and Hindus, the landscape dramatically shifts from snow and rock to hills with green vegetation. The experience of different landscapes and cultural immersion makes this a profoundly satisfying and enjoyable day.

Today, you trade hiking boots for a jeep seat as you drive through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's deepest gorge, en route to Tatopani. The road winds through the desert Mustang landscape before descending more gently into verdant hills and terraced fields.

Upon arrival in Tatopani, you'll be greeted by a relaxing and warm reward: the natural hot springs that give the village its name. Soak your weary muscles in the hot spring, enjoying the mountain scenery and the sound of the river nearby.

Leaving the high Himalaya behind you and re-entering central Nepal's lush, subtropical lowlands. The drive to Pokhara is through scenic villages, suspension bridges, and green valleys. On arrival in Pokhara, the contrast of natural beauty is immediate; this lakeside town is relaxed and picturesque, with calm Phewa Lake reflecting the Annapurna range. You can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring local markets, relaxing at a spa, cafe, or restaurant.

The drive back to Kathmandu is a scenic journey during which you reflect on the epic journey you've just completed. In Kathmandu, you can enjoy more sightseeing around the city or a final celebratory meal. It's also a good time to catch up with other trekkers and exchange trail tales before you depart.

Today is the end of your unforgettable Himalayan adventure. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for a little last-minute sightseeing or shopping in Kathmandu. Your airport transfer will be arranged, making your homeward journey a seamless travel experience. You leave Nepal with memories of stunning mountains, vibrant culture, and the immense personal satisfaction of walking one of the world's most spectacular trails.